The document discusses the structure and roles of particular councils within the Catholic Church. It explains that a plenary council involves all churches of a conference of bishops on a national or regional level, while a provincial council involves churches within an ecclesiastical province. The roles of the conference of bishops in convoking and setting the agenda for plenary councils is outlined. Additionally, requirements for who may be called to participate in particular councils, both as voting members and non-voting members, are provided. The authority and procedures of particular councils are also summarized.

1. PARTICULAR COUNCIL
A plenary council
provincial council
A plenary council, that is, one for all the particular churches of the
same conference of bishops
A provincial council for the different particular churches of the
same ecclesiastical province

2. PARTICULAR COUNCIL
It is for the conference of bishops:
1/ to convoke a plenary council;
2/ to select the place to celebrate the council within the territory
of the conference of bishops;
3/ to select from among the diocesan bishops a president of the
plenary council whom the Apostolic See must approve;
4/ to determine the agenda and questions to be treated, set the
opening and duration of a plenary council, transfer, extend, and
dissolve it.

3. Plenary COUNCIL
It is for the metropolitan with the consent of the majority of the suffragan
bishops:
1/ to convoke a provincial council;
2/ to select the place to celebrate the provincial council within the territory of
the province;
3/ to determine the agenda and questions to be treated, set the opening and
duration of the provincial council, transfer, extend, and dissolve it.
It is for the metropolitan or, if he is legitimately impeded, a suffragan bishop elected by the other
sufuffagan bishops to preside over a provincial council.

4. PARTICULAR COUNCIL
The following must be called to particular councils and have the
right of a deliberative vote in them:
1/ diocesan bishops;
2/ coadjutor and auxiliary bishops;
3/ other titular bishops who perform in the territory a special
function committed to them by the Apostolic See or the
conference of bishops.
4) Other titular bishops, even retired ones, living in the territory
can be called to particular councils; they also have the right of a
deliberative vote.

5. PARTICULAR COUNCIL
The following must be called to particular councils but with only a consultative vote:
1/ the vicars general and episcopal vicars of all the particular churches in the territory;
2/ major superiors of religious institutes and societies of apostolic life in a number for both men
and women which the conference of bishops or the bishops of the province are to determine; these
superiors are to be elected respectively by all the major superiors of the institutes and societies
which have a seat in the territory;
3/ rectors of ecclesiastical and Catholic universities and deans of faculties of theology and of canon
law, which have a seat in the territory;
4/ some rectors of major seminaries elected by the rectors of the seminaries which are located in
the territory, in a number to be determined as in n. 2.
5) Presbyters and other members of the Christian faithful can also be called to particular councils,
but with only a consultative vote and in such a way that their number does not exceed half the
number of those mentioned in §§1-3.
6). Moreover, cathedral chapters and the presbyteral council and pastoral council of each particular
church are to be invited to provincial councils in such a way that each of them sends two of their
members designated collegially by them; however, they have only a consultative vote.
7) Others can also be invited as guests to particular councils, if it is expedient in the judgment of
the conference of bishops for a plenary council, or of the metropolitan together with the suffragan
bishops for a provincial council.

6. Authority of particular Councils
• A particular council, for its own territory, takes care that provision is
made for the pastoral needs of the people of God and possesses the
power of governance, especially legislative power, so that, always
without prejudice to the universal law of the Church, it is able to
decide what seems opportune for the increase of the faith, the
organization of common pastoral action, and the regulation of morals
and of the common ecclesiastical discipline which is to be observed,
promoted, and protected.
• When a particular council has ended, the president is to take care
that all the acts of the council are sent to the Apostolic See. Decrees
issued by a council are not to be promulgated until the Apostolic See
has reviewed them. It is for the council itself to define the manner of
promulgation of the decrees and the time when the promulgated
decrees begin to oblige.

7. CONFERENCES OF BISHOPS
• A conference of bishops, a permanent institution, is a group of
bishops of some nation or certain territory who jointly exercise
certain pastoral functions for the Christian faithful of their
territory in order to promote the greater good which the Church
offers to humanity, especially through forms and programs of
the apostolate fittingly adapted to the circumstances of time
and place, according to the norm of law.

8. • To a conference of bishops belong by the law itself all diocesan
bishops in the territory, those equivalent to them in law,
coadjutor bishops, auxiliary bishops, and other titular bishops
who perform in the same territory a special function entrusted
to them by the Apostolic See or conference of bishops.
Ordinaries of another rite can also be invited though in such a
way that they have only a consultative vote unless the statutes
of the conference of bishops decree otherwise.
• Other titular bishops and the legate of the Roman Pontiff are
not by law members of a conference of bishops.

9. CCBI
• The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India or CCBI, is the
national episcopal conference of the bishops of the Latin rite of the
Catholic Church in India.
• Office Bearers of the CCBI
• President: Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Damam
• Vice President: George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore
• Secretary General: Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Archbishop of Delhi
• Deputy Secretary General: Stephen Alathara, from Verapoly Archdiocese

10. CBCI
• The CBCI is technically not an episcopal conference as prescribed in
canon 447 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law; that role is fulfilled by
the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. Rather, the CBCI is similar
to the 'assembly of bishops' described in 322§2 of the Code of
Canons of the Eastern Churches.
• Pope John Paul II in a letter in 1987 directed the three rites to set up
their own bishops' conferences. Nevertheless, the CBCI is the face of
the Catholic Church in India and addresses the Church's "questions of
common concern and of a national and supra-ritual character", while
the episcopal body that heads each rite deals with internal issues.
• The statutes of the CBCI were approved by the Holy See on 21 April
1976. The statutes were revised in 1996 by the CBCI.

11. Abbreviation CBCI
President Cardinal Oswald Gracias
Vice President I Bishop Joshuah Ignatheos
Vice President II Archbishop Mar George Njaralakatt

12. THE INTERNAL ORDERING OF PARTICULAR
CHURCHES (Cann. 460 - 572)
• At the universal level we have
i) the Ecumenical councils where the bishops with the Pope constitute the Supreme Authority of the Church – the
Roman Pontiff exercising it collegially or personally.
ii) the Synod of Bishops are also a participating structure at the universal level.
iii) The Roman Curia – even this is supposed to be
 Diaconal [everyone must fulfil their office and function in the spirit of service
 Collegial [work together]
 Pastoral [not bureaucratic]
 Vicarious [acts in the name of the Pope]

13. • Particular Churches
i) The Diocesan Synod – it is not a permanent structure; but occasional. Yet it is a participatory structure
ii) Council of Priests – obligatory
iii) College of Consultors – drawn from the council of priests
iv) Diocesan Finance Council
• [ii, iii, iv are all obligatory
• ii, iii are ONLY of priests
• i and iv can have lay people]
i) Diocesan Pastoral Council : [not strictly obligatory, nor purely optinal]
ii) Episcopal Council [optional] i.e. Council of the Vicars of the Bishops
•
• Parish Level
i) Parish Finance Council [obligatory]
ii) Pastoral Council [can. 536, 537] [optional but bishop may make it obligatory]
• Therefore, there are various participatory structures in the Church which have as a basis Baptism and
confirmation. It is not a concession given by authority; it is the RIGHT of the faithful.

14. Likewise in religious life
i) the Superior General and their Council,
ii) the provincial Superior and the Council
iii) the local superior and the council
• In Addition:
i) General Chapter
ii) Provincial Chapter
iii) All assemblies and councils

15. THE DIOCESAN SYNOD
THE DIOCESAN CURIA
• VICARS GENERAL AND EPISCOPAL VICARS
• THE CHANCELLOR, OTHER NOTARIES, AND THE ARCHIVES
• THE FINANCE COUNCIL AND THE FINANCE OFFICERTHE
 PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL AND THE COLLEGE OF CONSULTORS
 CHAPTERS OF CANONS
 THE PASTORAL COUNCIL
 PARISHES, PASTORS, AND PAROCHIAL VICARS
 VICARS FORANE
 RECTORS OF CHURCHES AND CHAPLAINS

16. THE DIOCESAN SYNOD
• Introduction:
• It is an institute that is very ancient in the Church; parallel to the provincial synods and councils. In the West Pope
Siricius is said to have celebrated the Synod in 387. So many Ecumenical councils e.g. Lateran IV (1215), Trent
(Session 24) Nov. 1563, dealt with this topic. It even imposed on the bishops to celebrate it annually.
Unfortunately, in the last 2 centuries its importance was neglected.
• Therefore Vatican II, CD 36 wanted to emphasize its name which must be an expression of diocesan communion.
It is an inevitable necessity considering the fact that in CIC 1983, there is a lot of decentralization. i.e. in
accordance with canons 381 and 391. The Diocesan Bishop should have the necessary powers to govern his
diocese – ordinary, proper, immediate. Power of Governance : Legislative, Executive Judicial.
• There are at least 600 cases where the law says that the Diocesan Bishop should decide for his particular church.
So the Synod has to facilitate this. The diocesan bishop is the only legislator; the Synod helps him to enact proper
legislation. Nothing forbids the bishop from enacting personally. But a wider consultation can take place at the
diocese [he can even abrogate the earlier law]

17. Can 460- Concept of Diocesan Synod
• The diocesan Synod is an assembly of selected priests and other members of Christ’s faithful of a particular
Church, which, for the good of the whole diocesan community, assists the diocesan bishop, in accordance with
the following canons.
• Concept: an assembly of selected priests and other members of Christ’s faithful of a particular Church
• Canon 358 of CIC 1917, SPOKE of only “selected PRIESTS” [not even deacons]. In addition we have other
members of Christ’s faithful – in CIC 1983 mentioned cann. 460 and 463(3)… clerical or lay are involved.
• “selected group” – It does not last permanently. Therefore not permanent like the other participatory structures. The
inclusion of the lay is not completely new in the history of the Church. In the past they participated. The Church is
only going back to the past. This is for theological and pastoral reasons as it manifests that the Church is A
COMMUNION. The members represent the whole diocese: only then can it be called a Diocesan Synod. [can be
compared to the General Chapter but here it is only consultative not deliberative]

18. Purpose of the Diocesan Synod
• It assists the diocesan bishop, for the good of the whole diocesan community. This
is the finality/purpose. How to assist the diocesan bishop?
i) To make legislation in accordance with the universal law
ii) The good must be primarily “spiritual good”
iii)For the pastoral care, bishop can extend to them, the teaching, sanctifying and
governing roles.
• John XXIII in his letter, on 1.2.59, to the people of Rome explained the purposes of
the Diocesan Synod.
i) To study the problems of the spiritual life of the faithful and
ii) It must restore the force of ecclesiastical law.
iii)It should eliminate abuses promoting Christian life, divine worship and religious
practices.
• “particular Church” [diocese or equivalent]… assisting in accordance with the law.
• “whole diocesan community” – entire ; not just one part

19. Can 461 - Obligation of Convoking synod
• $1 The diocesan synod is to be held in each particular Church when the diocesan Bishop, after consulting the
council of priests, judges that the circumstances suggest it.
• $2 If a bishop is responsible for a number of dioceses, or has charge of one of his own and of another as
Administrator, he may convene one diocesan synod for all the dioceses entrusted to him.
• $1 The present Code says as often as the diocesan bishop, judges that the circumstances suggest it. The decision
is made by the diocesan Bishop. However before making it he consults/hears the opinion of the Council of priests.
He has the right to convoke it or not even if the priests council agrees to it.
•
• Trent : Once a year
• 1917 Code : once in 10 years “at least”
• 1983 Code : “circumstances suggest it”
•
• $2 Convention of 2 dioceses together if the bishop is common it is possible [but not advisable]

20. Can. 462 – Convocation and Presiding over the
Synod
• $1 Only the diocesan bishop can convene a diocesan synod. A person who has interim charge of a diocese
cannot do so.
• $2 the diocesan bishop presides over the diocesan synod. He may, however, delegate a Vicar general or an
Episcopal vicar to fulfil this office at individual sessions of the synod
• $1 It is the direct and exclusive authority of the diocesan bishop to convene a diocesan synod. One who
presides over the diocese temporarily [e.g.diocesan administrator] cannot convoke. The diocesan
administrator has the same powers and obligations of the diocesan bishop, exept those matters excluded by
law. This is one of them.
• $2 Presidency : the diocesan Bishop presides: he can however delegate a Vicar general or an Episcopal
vicar to fulfil this office at individual sessions of the synod. Another priest can also preside. It is opportune
that the celebration is in the Cathedral [canon 357(2), 1917 Code], but not mandatory.

21. Can 463 – Who can be summoned
• $1 The following are to be summoned to the diocesan synod as members and they are obliged to participate in it.
• 1°the coadjutor bishop and the auxiliary Bishops
• 2° the vicars general and Episcopal vicars and the judicial vicar
• 3° the members of the council of priests
• 4° the canons of the cathedral churches
• 5° lay members of Christ’s faithful, not excluding members of institutes of consecrated life, to be elected by the
pastoral council in the manner and the number to be determined by the diocesan or where the council does not exist,
on a basis determined by the diocesan bishop.
• 6° the rector of the major seminary of the diocese
• 7° the vicars forane
• 8° at least one priest from each vicariate forane to be elected by all those who have the care of souls there; another
priest is also to be elected, to take the place of the first if he is prevented from attending.
• 9° some superiors of religious institutes and of societies of apostolic life which have a house in the diocese: these
are to be elected in the number and the manner determined by the diocesan bishop.
• $2 The diocesan bishop may also invite others to be members of the diocesan synod, whether clerics or members of
institutes of consecrated life or lay members of the faithful.
• $3 if the diocesan bishop considers it opportune, he may invite to the diocesan synod as observers some ministers or
members of Churches or ecclesial communities which are not in full communion with the Catholic church.

22. Chapter II – The Diocesan Curia
• Introduction: Just as the Roman Pontiff has his own Curia, which offers him assistance in the governing of
the universal Church, in accordance with Can. 360, the Diocesan Bishop has a similar curia. This is parallel to
the Roman Curia.
•
• Origin : Right from the early centuries, the bishop was assisted by his priests in the exercise of his office. It
became a very complex organ in later years in response to the new needs of the people of God.
• Today, it is an indispensable instrument for the governance of the diocese. Like CIC 1917, CIC 1983, has a
separate chapter with 3 articles and an introduction.
• Introduction [469-474]
i) Vicar Generals and Episcopal Vicars [475-481]
ii) Chancellor, Notary and Archives [482-491]
iii) Finance Committee and finance Administrator [492-494]

23. Can 469 – Concept of the Diocesan Curia
• The diocesan curia is composed of those institutes and persons who assist the Bishop in governing the entire
diocese, especially in directing pastoral action, in providing for the administration of the diocese, and in
exercising judicial power.
• The Curia is composed of Institutes and Persons, who assist the Bishop in governing the entire diocese.
• Primarily : Vicar General, Episcopal Vicars, Chancellor, Notary, Archivist, Diocesan Financial Officials.
•
• Officials of the Tribunal : Judicial Vicar, Asst. Judicial Vicar, Judges, Defender of the bond, Promoter of Justice.
•
• In Addition: the diocesan bishop can create new organizations [this is not Exhaustive]
• Coordinator of all commissions, Diocesan Finance Committee, Episcopal Council, other commissions.
•
• 3 fold Function of the Curia
i) Pastoral action [this is new to the CIC 1983]
ii) Administration
iii) Exercising the Judicial Power
• CIC 1917, DID NOT speak of Pastoral action. It concentrated more on administration.

24. Qualities of the Curia :
• It must be DIACONIAL, COLLEGIAL, PASTORAL, VICARIOUS
• … exercises in the name of the bishop. It should not be in conflict with the bishop. According to this, the
Senate and the college of consultors are not taken with the Curia. But the bishop can always add some
committee here and say they belong to the Curia.
•

25. Can 470 – Appointment to the Curia
• The appointment of those who fulfil an office in the diocesan curia belongs to the
bishop.
• Can. 157 – the prerogative of the diocesan bishop to make appointment to
Ecclesiastical office by free conferral.
• Can 149 – the person must be in communion with the Church and suitable [i.e.
possess the qualities necessary.. only when it is prescribed in law it affects validity.
•

26. Can 471 – Obligation of the Office holders and
Secrecy
• All who are admitted to an office in the curia must:
• 1° promise to fulfil their office faithfully, as determined by law or by the bishop
• 2° observe secrecy within the limits and according to the manner determined by law or by the bishop.
• 1) Promise of Fidelity – i.e. CIC 1983 AND particular Law. In addition, instructions of the diocesan bishop.
• e.g.. 4 sources/guidelines for knowing your rights and obligations of Asst. Parish priest..
i) CIC 1983, CCEO
ii) DIOCESAN statutes
iii) Letter of appointment
• Direction of Parish Priest. Observance of Secrecy
• 1) taking an oath [by law] canon 1454 – tribunal personnel
• 2) with regard to others : there is nothing in the Code [although CIC 1917 SAID IT]. But nothing forbids the bishop
from asking them to take an oath.
•

27. Article I - Vicars General and Episcopal
Vicars
• Introduction
• Vicar General/s and Episcopal Vicars are the direct collaborators of the diocesan bishop in the pastoral
governance of the diocese as his alter ego. Comm. 1973 p.226
• Origin
• 13th Century after Lateran VI [1215]. This granted the bishops the faculty to chose trustworthy persons who
could collaborate with them on a stable basis assisting them in the administration. Till that time the Arch-
deacons were very powerful. Slowly they were sidelined. By the 16th century, Trent deprived the arch deacon of
every power of jurisdiction reducing the office to an honorary office in the chapters [cfr Trent, 24th Session
Chapter 29. De Reformatione, Nov 63 and 25th session Chapter 3, De Reformatione, December 1563.]
•
• Episcopal Vicar is an important institute of Vat II, directed to the better organization of the diocese and gives the
bishop additional efficient collaboration. It can be compared with the rural arch deacons of the past, during the
middle ages.

28. Can 475 – Concept and Appointment of the
Vicar General [CIC 1917 it was optional]
• $1 In each diocese the diocesan bishop is to appoint a Vicar General to assist him in the governance of the
whole diocese. The Vicar General has ordinary power, in accordance with the following canons.
• $2 As a general rule, one Vicar general is to be appointed unless the size of the diocese, the number of
inhabitants, or other pastoral reasons suggest otherwise.
• He is to assist him in the governance of the whole diocese.
• Obligatory office – if he resigns since it involves the care of souls he must be appointed immediately.
• Ordinary power – attached to the office
•
• $2 - No of Vicar Generals : General rule One; but more are possible
• i) Size of diocese
• ii) no of inhabitants
• iii) other pastoral reasons.
•

29. Can 476 – Episcopal Vicar
• As often as the good governance of the diocese requires it, the diocesan bishop can also appoint one or more
Episcopal Vicars. These have the same ordinary power as the universal law gives to a Vicar General, in
accordance with the following canons. The competence of an Episcopal Vicar, however, is limited to a
determined part of the diocese, or to a specific type of activity, or to the faithful of a particular rite, or to certain
groups of people.
• 1) This is an optional Office. “facultative” and not “mandatory” CAN also appoint one or more Episcopal Vicars.
• 2) There is no general rule that there could be one or more; not limited
• 3) Competence – limited to
• i) a determined part of the diocese, or
• ii) to a specific type of activity, or
• iii) to the faithful of a particular rite, or
• iv) to certain groups of people
•

30. Can 477 – Freely Appointed and freely
Removed by the Bishop
• $1 The Vicar General and the Episcopal vicar are freely appointed by the diocesan bishop, and can be freely removed by him, without
prejudice to can. 406. An Episcopal Vicar who is not an auxiliary bishop, is to be appointed for a period of time, which is to be specified in the
act of appointment.
• $2 If the Vicar general is absent or lawfully impeded, the diocesan bishop can appoint another to take his place. The same norm applies in
the case of an Episcopal Vicar.
• Exception : with regard to Co-adjutor [who has right of succession] and Auxiliaries.
• Thus the Code imposes on the diocesan bishop to appoint Coadjutors and Auxiliaries either as Vicar Generals or at least as Episcopal Vicars.
• Two categories of Auxiliaries exist.
i) Auxiliaries with special faculty [ he also must be appointed Vicar General]
ii) Auxiliaries with General faculty
• Keeping in mind the exception, this provision is given that they can be freely appointed and freely removed. During the revision of the Code,
there was a proposal that the bishop asks the priests council before appointing the Vicar General. The Response: he is acting as the Vicar of the
Bishop and not Vicar of the Priests Council. Therefore no obligation. However nothing stops him from consulting them or any other organization
before appointing him [Comm 1987 pp.125-126].
•
• There is no judicial provision for their removal. But it should not cause harm to their reputation. If they feel that their honour or fame is being
tarnished they can appeal under canon 1732 to protect their dignity.
•
• Duration of Office.
• Vicar General : for a determinate or indeterminate period
• Episcopal Vicar : ALWAYS for a determinate time.

31. Diocesan Administrator:
• Can he have a Vicar General. Nothing forbids explicitly but it would be prudent to appoint a DELEGATE
rather than a Vicar General.
•
• $2 Absent or lawfully impeded : {long absence etc.} can appoint another to take his place. i.e. for both Vicar
General or Episcopal Vicar.
•

32. Can 478 Required Qualifications for Vicar
General - Episcopal Vicar.
• $1 The Vicar General and the Episcopal vicar are to be priests of not less than thirty years of age, with a doctorate or
licentiate in canon law or theology, or at least well versed in these disciplines. They are to be known for their sound
doctrine, integrity, prudence and practical experience.
• $2 The office of Vicar General and the Episcopal vicar may not be united with the office of canon penitentiary, nor
may the office be given to blood relations of the bishop up to the fourth degree.
1) Priests
2) Not less than 30 years
3) Doctorate or Licentiate
i) In Canon law
ii) Or theology
iii) Or well versed in these disciplines {canon law and theology}
1) Sound doctrine
2) Integrity
3) Prudence
4) Practical Experience
• The old directory for the ministry and life of bishops Ecclesiae Imago said they should have adequate pastoral
preparation. [present AS Apostolorum Successores is the new directory for pastoral ministry of the bishops]
• It appears that what is for validity is the priesthood. All others are for liceity. It is important to insist on sufficient
knowledge of Canon Law and Adequate pastoral preparation/experience because of the importance of this office.

33. • $2 Incompatibility
i) VG and EV with Canon Penitentiary [since one is in the external and one is in the internal forum]
ii) Blood relationship : upto 4th degree [as in canon 492 – finance committee members; inclusive is not used;
some say it is inclusive and others not] of the bishop [this is to prevent nepotism… brother, nephew,
cousin…. CCEO USES “inclusive”

34. Can 479 – Powers of the Vicar General and Episcopal Vicar
• POWERS are EXECUTIVE – NOT Legislative or Judicial
• Ordinary : Attached to the Office
• Vicarious : exercises it in the name of the Bishop.
• Can. 479 : says he has the same ordinary executive power as the bishop.
• Exception: When the law specifically uses diocesan bishop can do a certain action, he needs a special mandate from
the bishop.
• When the law uses Local ordinary/ordinary, he can do all that the bishop can: The bishop however can place some
restrictions but these must be minimum; by reserving to himself or to some other authority.
• i.e. for the whole diocese. – law says “Local ordinary” can grant marriage dispensations. Diocesan bishop can say
that to give dispensations for 3rd degree “I reserve to myself”

35. • $2 Episcopal vicar has the same power as in $1 - but is LIMITED TO
i) the determined part of the territory or type of activity, [AREA] or
ii) for the faithful of the determined rite
iii) or group, for which he was appointed; [apostolate/ministry]
• This is the ONLY difference. i.e. the area of activity is different but he has all the powers under this area.
Both are Vicars under the diocesan bishop.
•

36. • In the new code there is no honorary title. E.g. Monsignor to the VG.
• CIC 1917 attributed to him some honor i.e.
i) right of precedence when all the clergy of the diocese is there
ii) first place in the cathedral chapter
iii) some privileges and titles [CIC 1917 C. 370].
• However such titles are not confirmed in the new Code, but the first two can be expressed in the diocese.

37. • Can 480 - Coordinating: constant communication by VG and EV AND bishop
• The Vicar General and the Episcopal vicar must give a report to the diocesan Bishop concerning more
important matters, both those yet to be attended to and those already dealt with. They are never to act against
the will and mind of the diocesan bishop.
• “concerning more important matters” – what you are going to do, you have to say. What you have done you have
to report.
• “never to act against the will and mind of the diocesan bishop” – bury your personal will.
• [can 548(3), the same words are used; Asstt. Parish priest is to report regularly here – to the parish priest on
pastoral initiative]
•

38. • Can 481 – Cessation of the Office and Suspension from Office
• $1 The power of The Vicar General or Episcopal vicar ceases when the period of their mandate expires, or by resignation. In
addition, but without prejudice to Cann 406 and 409, it ceases when they are notified of their removal by the diocesan bishop,
or when the Episcopal see falls vacant.
• $2 When the office of the diocesan bishop is suspended, the power of The Vicar General and of the Episcopal vicar is
suspended, unless they are themselves bishops.
• Ceases when?
i) when the period of their mandate expires, - therefore nothing forbids the bishop to appoint them for a specified period. Can.
186: it is not automatic; the competent authority must inform them about it.
ii) or by resignation – two kinds – one that requires acceptance; one that does not require acceptance.
• Two Opinions:
 No need of acceptance [minority view] – Roman Pontiff
 Needs acceptance [majority view] – CCEO says ‘the resignation needs to be accepted by the diocesan bishop”
•
i) Removal – when they are notified of their removal. The priest Vicar General can be removed [not the Co-adjutor or Auxilliary]
ii) When the See is vacant –
 Coadjutor – becomes bishop
 Auxiliary – will have the same powers as VG and continues.
• An administrative act can 46 – does not cease to have effect when the authority which issued the act ceases, unless the law states
otherwise. In this case the appointment of VG ceases. This is an exception to the rule.
•
• $2 When the office of the diocesan bishop is suspended – the VG and EV’s powers are also suspended “unless they are
themselves bishops”