(Latin: jus, right, power; dicere to say)
The right to guide and rule the Church of God, the exercis of authority in regard to the three-fold office of the Church, teaching, priestly or ministerial, and pastoral. When this jurisdIction is exercised over the relations of man to God, as in teh Sacrament of Penance, or in the dispensing from vows, it is spoken of as jurisdiction of the forum (court) of Heaven, or of the internal forum. When it regulates external ecclesiastical relations it acts in the external forum only. When permanently attached to an office, it is called ordinary. This ordinary jurisdiction the Pope has by divine right for the whole Church, and a bishop for his diocese. Others have such authority by human right in matters over which they are placed. In this way a parish priest exercises jurisdiction in the internal forum. When jurisdiction is attached to an office, such as that of Vicar General, which may not be permanent, it is quasi-ordinary or vicarious. It is delegated, or extraordinary, when granted with limitations as to time or function.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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