(Latin: fundamentum, basis)
Temporal goods given to an ecclesiastical moral person with an obligation, perpetual, or for a long time, to say Masses annually, to perform definite ecclesiastical functions, or to carry out works of piety or charity with the revenue of the donation. Once accepted, it takes on the nature of a bilateral contract. The quantity of the endowment is determined by the bishop and his written consent must be obtained before its acceptance. The money is to be invested and it pertains to the bishop to see that the obligations are fulfilled. The supervision of foundations made to exempt religious, even though in their parish churches, pertains not to the bishop but to the major superior. The reduction of the obligations is reserved to the Holy See unless the document of foundation expressly gives the bishop this power.
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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