When it comes to organized religion, intricate terminology often exists to describe groups, roles, and hierarchies within the faith. Catholicism, in particular, has a complex organizational structure with different titles and roles for its clergy members. One commonly asked question is, “What is a group of priests called?” In this blog post, we will delve into the terminology used to refer to groups of priests within the Catholic Church.

The Collective Term: Presbyterate

The collective term used to refer to a group of priests is the “presbyterate.” This term originates from the Greek word “presbyteros,” which means elder or priest. The presbyterate encompasses all the priests within a particular region, diocese, or religious order.

The Local Gathering: Presbyterium

On a local level, a group of priests belonging to a specific diocese is known as the “presbyterium.” The presbyterium includes all the priests working under the authority of a bishop in a specific geographical area. These priests collaborate and support each other in the spiritual and administrative aspects of their ministry.

Religious Orders: Convocation

Within religious orders like the Dominicans, Franciscans, or Jesuits, a group of priests belonging to the same order is called a “convocation.” This term denotes a gathering or assembly of religious priests who follow the same charism or spiritual tradition within the order. Convocations often serve as a platform for fostering spiritual growth and facilitating decision-making within the order.

Pontifical Universities: Collegium

In the context of pontifical universities, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, a group of professors who are also priests is referred to as a “collegium.” These priests, renowned experts in various theological disciplines, come together to teach and conduct research within the university. The collegium serves as an intellectual hub for fostering theological scholarship and providing guidance to the future clergy.

Understanding the terminology used to describe groups of priests within the Catholic Church can enhance our knowledge of its organizational structure and enable us to appreciate the roles and hierarchies present. Whether it’s the presbyterate, presbyterium, convocation, or collegium, each term signifies a unique gathering of priests striving towards the spiritual well-being of the Church and the faithful.

  • Presbyterate: The collective term for a group of priests.
  • Presbyterium: A local gathering of priests within a diocese.
  • Convocation: A group of priests within a religious order.
  • Collegium: A gathering of priest-professors within a pontifical university.

Next time you encounter the question, “What is a group of priests called?” you can confidently answer with the appropriate term. Whether you refer to the presbyterate, presbyterium, convocation, or collegium, each designation reflects the diverse structures and communities within the Catholic priesthood.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
4Totale voti: 1