Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

CANONICAL LETTERS In the ancient church, were testimonials of the orthodox faith which the bishops and clergy sent each other to keep up the Catholic communion, and distinguish orthodox Christians from heretics. Fuente: Theological Dictionary Canonical Letters (called also Letters Dimissory) were granted in the early Christian Church to the country clergy who wished to … Continue reading “Canonical Letters”

canonical inquisition (Latin: inquirere, to investigate) The preliminary inquiry that must be made according to canon law into any accusation against a cleric before admonishing or putting him on trial. Should the investigation justify further judicial procedure, an auditor is appointed to collect testimony for as well as against the accused. Precaution mus:t be taken … Continue reading “canonical inquisition”

CANONICAL HOURS Are certain stated times of the day consigned more especially by the Romish church to the offices of prayer and devotion; such are matins, lauds, &c. In England the canonical hours are from eight to twelve in the forenoon; before or after which marriage cannot be legally performed in any church. Fuente: Theological … Continue reading “Canonical Hours”

canonical faculties (Latin: facultates, powers) Powers which an ecclesiastical superior with jurisdiction, grants to his priests for either the external or the internal forum, or for both, in order that the latter may act, validly or licitly or with safety. These faculties concern chiefly the Sacrament of Penance. As a rule, faculties from the Holy … Continue reading “canonical faculties”

canonical erection of monastery The general requirements for the canonical erection of a monastery , whether of regulars or moniales, apart from the requirements of the Order’s constitutions, are: (1) permission of the Holy See, i.e., of the Congregation of Religious (2) permission in writing of the Ordinary of the place (3) sufficient provision for … Continue reading “canonical erection of monastery”

canonical age The age fixed by canon law at which the Church permits or requires her members to receive the sacraments, enjoins observaooe of the rules of fasting and abstinence, determines for entrance into the religious state, for making simple or solemn vows, holding ecclesiastical offices, or receiving benefices. This age is given in the … Continue reading “Canonical Age”

canonical adoption In a legal sense adoption is an act by which a person, with the cooperation of the public authority, takes as his own the child of another. Under Roman law legal relationship was established, based on the natural relationship, and it was a bar to marriage. Its degrees were: civil fatherhood, between the … Continue reading “canonical adoption”

canonical admonitions A preliminary means used by the Church towards a suspected person as a preventive of harm or a remedy of evil. A paternal admonition is a secret remonstrance addressed either by a prelate or his confidential delegate to a cleric suspected of misconduct on a basis of public rumor. A third paternal admonition … Continue reading “canonical admonitions”

Canonical Acts Acts that produce a legal effect according to the rules of ecclesiastical law, and are either allowed or forbidden. They comprise acts of: official administrators of ecclesiastical property; persons employed in ecclesiastical courts, judge, auditor , referee, “defensor vinculi” (e.g., for marriage), fiscal promotor and promotor of faith (for beatification and canonization ) … Continue reading “Canonical Acts”

Canonicae virgins who devoted themselves to the celibate before the monastic life was known, and therefore before there were monasteries to receive them; and called canonicce (canonical virgins), because their names were enrolled in the canon or matricula of the Church, that is, in the catalogue of ecclesiastics. They differed from the monastic virgins in … Continue reading “Canonicae”