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vicar capitular

C2
UK/ˌvɪkə kəˈpɪtjʊlə/US/ˌvɪkər kəˈpɪtʃələr/

formal, ecclesiastical

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Definition

Meaning

A priest appointed to lead a Catholic diocese temporarily when the see is vacant.

In ecclesiastical law, a cleric (usually a cathedral chapter member) elected by his peers to govern a diocese during the period between bishops. The role involves maintaining ordinary jurisdiction but with limitations on permanent changes.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Specific to Catholic and Anglican canon law. Not to be confused with 'vicar general' (who assists a bishop) or 'administrator apostolic' (appointed by the Pope). The role ceases immediately upon installation of a new bishop.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Term used identically in canonical contexts in both UK and US Catholic churches. In Church of England usage, the equivalent term is often 'vicar general' during a vacancy, though 'vicar capitular' appears in older Anglican canon law.

Connotations

In UK contexts, may carry historical Anglican associations; in US contexts, almost exclusively Roman Catholic.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in general discourse; appears almost solely in ecclesiastical documents, news reports about diocese vacancies, or canonical studies.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
appointed vicar capitularserved as vicar capitularelected vicar capitularvicar capitular of the diocese
medium
the vicar capitular announcedpowers of the vicar capitularduring the vicar capitular's tenure
weak
acting vicar capitularformer vicar capitularoffice of vicar capitular

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[The chapter] elected [NP] vicar capitular.[NP] serves as vicar capitular for [Diocese].The vicar capitular [verb: governs, administers, leads] until a bishop is installed.

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

apostolic administrator (if specially appointed by Pope)

Neutral

diocesan administratorvacancy administrator

Weak

temporary ordinarysede vacante leader

Vocabulary

Antonyms

bishopordinarypermanent diocesan leader

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “sede vacante (the state of a diocese without a bishop, during which a vicar capitular governs)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not applicable.

Academic

Used in theological papers, canon law studies, and church history texts discussing diocesan governance.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of Catholic ecclesiastical circles.

Technical

Precise term in Catholic Code of Canon Law (Canon 419-430) and Anglican canon law, detailing specific powers and limitations during an episcopal vacancy.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The chapter will vicar-capitular the diocese until a new bishop is consecrated.

American English

  • The diocese was vicar-capitulared for nearly a year during the lengthy selection process.

adverb

British English

  • The diocese was governed vicar-capitularly during the interregnum.

American English

  • He acted vicar capitularly, avoiding any permanent changes.

adjective

British English

  • The vicar capitular powers are strictly limited by canon law.

American English

  • He issued a vicar capitular decree regarding parish finances.

Examples

By CEFR Level

B2
  • After the bishop retired, Father Jones was elected vicar capitular to lead the diocese temporarily.
C1
  • The vicar capitular's authority, while substantial, does not extend to erecting new parishes or altering diocesan statutes, as per canonical restrictions during the sede vacante period.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a cathedral CHAPTER (capitular) electing a temporary VICAR to fill the gap—'Vicar Capitular'.

Conceptual Metaphor

A caretaker manager for a spiritual corporation during a leadership transition.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Не путать с 'генеральным викарием' (vicar general), который является постоянным помощником епископа. 'Capitular' относится к капитулу (совету каноников), а не к военному званию.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'vicar capitular' to refer to any priest substituting for a bishop (specific canonical election required).
  • Confusing with 'vicar general' (different role).
  • Capitalizing incorrectly (not a proper title unless preceding a name).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
During the vacancy of the see, the cathedral chapter must elect a to govern the diocese.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary limitation on a vicar capitular's authority?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. A vicar capitular is elected by the diocesan cathedral chapter. An apostolic administrator is appointed directly by the Pope, often for more complex or lengthy vacancies.

Only until a new diocesan bishop is installed. The role ceases immediately upon the new bishop taking possession of the diocese.

He can be considered, but serving as vicar capitular does not give him an automatic advantage in the subsequent episcopal selection.

A vicar general is a bishop's permanent deputy. A vicar capitular only exists and governs when there is no bishop (the see is vacant).