Emilia Vicente
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Hi Mike and all,
- Is an Episcopal Vicar the same title as a Bishop?
In my estimation, I don't think so, because as I understand the title, it is an administrative title, like a Bishop's associate, however many of my friends are equating the title with that of a Bishop.
- Would anyone clarify this for me?
Thank you,
Emilia
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{
Is an Episcopal Vicar the same title as a Bishop? }
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Fr. Jonathan replied:
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Dear Emilia,
No.
- Some are bishops
- Some are not
Fr. Jonathan
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Emilia replied:
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Hi Mike,
I've done some research myself. I think an Episcopal Vicar is, in fact, an Auxiliary Bishop.
They have the title but don't have a See. They are expected to administer the sacrament of Confirmation. These synonyms are confusing, but Oh well, maybe Fr. Jonathan can share some thoughts.
Thanks,
Emilia
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Fr. Jonathan replied:
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Dear Emilia,
I love the fact that you are engaged and doing research.
Here are the Canons:
Canon 476 – Whenever the correct governance of a diocese requires it, the diocesan Bishop can also appoint one or more episcopal vicars; namely, those who in a specific part of the diocese or in a special rite or over certain groups of persons possess the same ordinary power which a vicar general has by universal law, according to the norm of the following canons.
Canon 477, § 1 - The diocesan Bishop freely appoints a vicar general and an Episcopal Vicar and can freely remove them, without prejudice to the prescript of Canon 406. An Episcopal Vicar who is not an Auxiliary Bishop is to be appointed only for a time to be determined in the act of appointment.
Note that Canon 476 does not say he has to be an Auxiliary Bishop and then Canon 477 makes the distinction specifically speaking about those that are not Auxiliary Bishops.
Hope that is helpful.
Fr. Jonathan
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Emilia replied:
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Thank you Fr. Jonathan,
Yes, that was very helpful.
God Bless,
Emilia
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