Zarys dziejów kapituły w aspekcie historyczno-prawnym jako organu kolegialnego diecezji do Soboru Trydenckiego

Abstract

The name ‘chapter’ is the Latin word ‘capitulum’, which stands for ecclesiastical bodies consisting of the clergymen, or a meeting and deliberation of this body. The community referred to as chapter was a derivative phenomenon of the canonicate, assuming institutional and corporate features. The chapters existing by the bishops’ cathedrals played an important role in the history of the Church, since they led the common life and performed a festive service for the God in the cathedral church; they fulfi lled the role of the advisory body for the bishop, and from 12th century they elected bishops. The chapters functioning by churches other than the cathedral ones, known as the collegiate, never had such rights. Their essential task was to perform the cult of God in their churches. As a result of Trident Council there was a distinction made between the role of chapter houses and they were subjected to ordinaries.