Morals of the Church
Library › Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology › Volume I › Book II. On the Exercise of the Christian Life, or on the Cultivation of the Virtues › Treatise II. On the Cultivation of the Moral Virtues › Dissertation I. On the Precepts of the Decalogue › Part VII. On the Seventh and Tenth Precepts of the Decalogue › Section I. On Commutative Justice Itself › Chapter I. On Commutative Justice Generally › Article II. On the Objects of Commutative Justice, or on Strict Rights › § III. On the Modes of Acquiring Strict Rights › Point V. On Hereditary Succession

Section — Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology

Scholion II. Practical Warnings

827.

I. Per se there is no obligation of making a testament; per accidens there can be, for example so that disputes may be avoided.

II. Generally, it is to be dissuaded that, with blood-relatives passed over, all things be left to a pious cause. Indeed, there is an obligation of piety, and a grave one, of leaving one's goods to that extent to brothers, sisters, and spouse, insofar as it is necessary for relieving their grave need. With respect to more remote and needy relatives there is no grave obligation (St. Alphonsus, Theologia Moralis, III, 946; Homo Apostolicus, tr. 10, n. 237; Praxis Confessarii, n. 233).

III. Several diocesan synods rightly advise that clerics make a testament in good time; but they discourage them from making it in favor of a maidservant. Rather, through donations inter vivos or through a legacy, let them remunerate services rendered.

Wills