Definitor

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A DEFINITOR is, in Latin, he who defines.

In the church, however, this is a title (not an ordination) with different specific uses :

[edit] Secular Definitors

In a deanery (part of a diocese, grouping several neighbouring parishes): *either the second (and unique) highest office, immediately below the Dean and his deputy

  • or the priest in charge of any of a number of even smaller districts within the deanery, called definitio.

They oversee the ecclesiastical property and generally assist the Dean, under the 'Ordinary' authority of the Bishop.

Alternative titles are Chamberlain of Treasurer.

These 'diocesan' offices are not prescribed by canon law, and can be omitted (common when there is not enough manpower left).

[edit] Regular Definitors

  • Benedictine - province
    • in the Cistercian order, the Abbot general is assisted by a council of 5 definitors: traditionally two francophone, one German-, one English- speaking and one Flemish (Dutch-speaking)
  • in the Order of Franciscan Observantines, the (second?) highest office of the congregation, (below?) Procurator general
  • in the Camaldolese order, may be given the personal title of Abbot (as G.P.Zurla)
  • in the Recollects Friars
  • DEFINITOR PROVINCIAE, 'provincial definitor', in (only?) the Dominican Order (e.g. in the Lombard province) under the Provincial
  • DEFINITOR GENERALIS, 'general definitor' in the congregeations of :
    • Discalced Carmelites
    • the Franciscan order, elected by the general chapter
    • Friars Minor Capuchin (elected for 5? years)
    • Minor Franciscans
    • Franciscan Reformati
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