Dogmatic and Legal Grounds for the Administration of Mass Intentions by the Particular Church Legislator

Abstract

Benedict XVI distinguishes between munus and potestas as useful concepts in understanding the authority of the diocesan bishop. While the concept of potestas goes back to the Roman law of jurisdiction, the munus terminology is relatively new, since it stems from the theology of Dietrich von Hildebrand, who distinguished between munus sanctificandi, munus docendi and munus regendi. As highlighted by Pope Benedict XVI, thanks to the orders of the episcopate, the bishop shares in the munus, which is not equal to potestas; therefore only the diocesan bishop, who persists not only in communio but also in communio hierarchica with the Catholic Church, enjoys legislative power, which he exercises directly; however, his sacred power of the sacraments can be exercised through sacred ministers, and in the case of the executive power also through the lay faithful, by virtue of missio canonica. The bishop implements that by administering Mass intentions and offerings donated in the diocese.