Canonical Visitation

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The act of anecclesiastical superior who in the discharge of his office visitspersons or places with a view of maintainingfaith and discipline, and of correcting abuses by the application of proper remedies. Such visitation is incumbent on the shepherd who would properly feed and guard his flock. This practice, in vogue from earlyChristian times, had somewhat fallen into desuetude when re-established by theCouncil of Trent in these words: Patriarchs,primates,metropolitans andbishops shall not fail to visit their respectivedioceses either personally, or if they be lawfully impeded, by theirvicar-general or visitor; if unable on account of its extent to make the visitation of the whole diocese annually, they shall visit at least the greater part thereof, so that the whole shall be completed within two years, either by themselves or their visitors. Of the purpose of visitation the Council says: But the principal object of all the visitations shall be to lead men to sound andorthodoxdoctrine by banishingheresies, to maintain goodmorals, and to correct such as areevil; by admonition and exhortation to animate the people to religion, peace, and innocence, and to put in vogue whatever else may be dictated by theprudence of the visitors for the benefit of thefaithful, as time, place and opportunity shall permit.

The right of visitation belongs to allprelates who have ordinaryjurisdiction overpersons in the external forum. Thepope through his delegates may institute a visitation throughout the world,patriarchs,primates,metropolitans,bishops, vicars apostolic, and vicars capitular or administrators of vacantdioceses in their respective territories, religious superiors within their ownjurisdiction. Prelatesnullius enjoy this right in conjunction with the neighbouringbishop, whoseprecepts in case of disagreement will prevail. Visitation does not, however, fall within the province of avicar-general unless he be specially commissioned by thebishop. Ametropolitan is not permitted to visit thedioceses of his suffraganbishop save for reasons approved in a provincial synod and then only after the visitation of his own diocese has been completed.

The canonical visitation of adiocese is incumbent on thebishop personally unless lawfully hindered. Abishop may visit the various parts of hisdiocese as often as he chooses. According to theCouncil of Trent he must do so every year if possible, or at least every two years. Attention is drawn to thisDecree by the Sacred Congregation of the Consistory (A remotissima, 31 Dec., 1909). The ThirdPlenary Council of Baltimore requires abishop to visit every part of hisdiocese at least once every three years, not only that he may administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, but likewise that he mayknow his people. Associate visitors, men versed inecclesiastical affairs, are recommended as useful in promoting the end in view. A secretary to do theclerical work is generally in attendance. It proves a saving of time and labour if the chancellor or secretary receives in advance answers in writing to the numerous questions compiled, since from the replies it may be seen what particular subjects require a personal investigation. The visitation comprisespersons, places, and things. It is an examination into the conduct ofpersons, viz.clergy,nuns, andlaity; into the condition of churches, cemeteries,seminaries,convents,hospitals, asylums, etc., with their furnishing and appurtenances, into the administration ofchurch property, finances, records, state of religion: briefly, it is a complete investigation of the spiritual and temporal affairs of thediocese. The visitor hears complaints, investigates crimes, sees whetherpastors and others properly discharge theirduties, and inquires into the private conduct ormorals ofclergy andlaity. Regulars in matters pertaining to thecure of souls and Divine worship are subject to episcopal visitation and correction. As delegate of theApostolic See abishop may also visit exempt places, but may punish delinquents therein only when the regular superior, being duly notified, fails to do so. Religious communities ofnuns are visited by thebishop either by virtue of his own right or as delegate of theHoly See.

The episcopal visitation should be a paternal investigation ofdiocesan matters. Formal trials and judicial penalties consequently will not be common: from such, should they be made use of, a suspensive appeal may be taken. Otherwise an appeal from decreespromulgated in visitation will beget merely a devolutive effect. Thelaws made should be enforced, and an authentic account of the entire visitation should be preserved in thediocesan archives as an official record, as well as to enable thebishop in his visitad limina to render to theHoly See an accurate report of conditions in hisdiocese. This report to thepope is to be signed not only by thebishop, but likewise by one of the associate visitors. Abishop or other visitor, content with hospitality, will accept no offering for the visitation.

The Pontifical prescribes the ceremonies to be observed in a formal visitation of aparish. At the door of the church thebishop incappa magnakisses the crucifix, receivesholy water, and isincensed; then proceeding to the sanctuary he kneels till a prescribedprayer is sung. Ascending the altar thebishop gives his solemn episcopal blessing. A sermon follows in which thebishop refers to the purpose of the visitation. Later he imparts theindulgence that he is empowered to grant. Putting on a black cope and simplemitre, thebishop recites certainprayers for the deceasedbishops of thediocese. The procession then proceeds to the cemetery if near by, otherwise to some convenient place in the church where a catafalque shall have been erected: thereprayers are offered for all the faithful departed. Theceremony is terminated on returning to the sanctuary by still anotherprayer for the dead. White vestments being substituted for black, thebishop examines the tabernacle and contents (blessing the people with theciborium), altars,baptismal font, sacred oils, confessionals,relics,sacristy, records, cemetery, edifices, etc. as above. Finally the Pontifical contains otherprayers to be said privately before the departure of thebishop and his assistants.

Religious superiors also visit canonically institutions andpersons subject to them, each observing the Constitution and customs of his own order. The efforts offemale religious superiors in visiting their houses are directed chiefly to promotingzeal and discipline; their authority is confined to correcting minor breaches of rule, since they are devoid ofcanonical jurisdiction. Difficulties beyond their power to settle are reported to thebishop or other lawful superior.

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