Ecclesia Supplet

[Lil Red]

what exactly does this concept mean and how would it be applied?

[Maggyie]

The example I always have heard used was when the priest uses the slightly incorrect form of absolution : "I forgive" instead of "I absolve" you of your sins. The intention was there to forgive the sins, and the Church supplies (ecclesia supplet) the grace to make up for the priest's mistake. But I also read on the [url="http://www.canonlaw.info/2007/02/we-need-to-be-careful-with-notion-of.html"]In the Light of the Law blog[/url] by the great canonist Ed Peters that ecclesia supplet only helps with defects of jurisdiction, not matter and form. He actually used the confession situation as an example.

Bumping for hopefully a more learned reply.

[Lil Red]

yeah, i was reading that blog, but i'm still confused.

[Era Might]

I found this from Fr. Trigilio:

[quote]When in doubt as to whether the priest gave a valid absolution, the prudent thing is to confess again to another priest at the first opportunity available. If God forbid someone would die before being able to get to another priest, the principle of ECCLESIA SUPPLET would apply whereby the Church supplies for the defect IN PERICULO MORTIS (in danger of death) since the penitent acted in good faith at the first confession.[/quote]
I think it is similar to Baptism of desire, except the person actually did receive the Sacrament which was invalid through no fault of their own. If they know this before they die, they must receive the Sacrament again, but the Church supplies the grace of the Sacrament in danger of death (unless the person was responsible for the invalid Sacrament).

[Laudate_Dominum]

My understanding is that ecclesia supplet is often misunderstood and that this canonical principle pertains to priestly faculties and not some kind of extraordinary supplying of grace. Quite often this concept is applied in situations that involve sacramental acts that are invalid and I believe that such applications confuse canonical jurisdiction and "supplied" faculties with valid vs. invalid form. It doesn't work this way.

I have a canon law buddy who would no doubt have a field day on this topic so perhaps I will ask him about it the next time I see him.

[Laudate_Dominum]

[quote name='Maggie' post='1306469' date='Jun 30 2007, 09:36 AM']The example I always have heard used was when the priest uses the slightly incorrect form of absolution : "I forgive" instead of "I absolve" you of your sins. The intention was there to forgive the sins, and the Church supplies (ecclesia supplet) the grace to make up for the priest's mistake. But I also read on the [url="http://www.canonlaw.info/2007/02/we-need-to-be-careful-with-notion-of.html"]In the Light of the Law blog[/url] by the great canonist Ed Peters that ecclesia supplet only helps with defects of jurisdiction, not matter and form. He actually used the confession situation as an example.

Bumping for hopefully a more learned reply.[/quote]
I just read the article you linked to and it confirms my understanding of this issue exactly. Thank you!

[cappie]

In the code of canon law:

Can. 144 §1 In common error, whether of fact or of law, and in positive and probable doubt, whether of law or of fact, the Church supplies executive power of governance for both the external and the internal forum.

What this canon is primarily concerned with is the jurisdiction applying to the faculties of priests to hear confessions, say Holy Mass, etc. If a priest is on a plane, and he is not sure what technical jurisdiction he is in and whether he has faculties or not, then [i]Ecclesia Supplet[/i], that is the Church supplies the jurisdiction for him to hear confessions, because there is a doubt to law.

[Laudate_Dominum]

[quote name='cappie' post='1316183' date='Jul 6 2007, 11:31 PM']In the code of canon law:

Can. 144 §1 In common error, whether of fact or of law, and in positive and probable doubt, whether of law or of fact, the Church supplies executive power of governance for both the external and the internal forum.

What this canon is primarily concerned with is the jurisdiction applying to the faculties of priests to hear confessions, say Holy Mass, etc. If a priest is on a plane, and he is not sure what technical jurisdiction he is in and whether he has faculties or not, then [i]Ecclesia Supplet[/i], that is the Church supplies the jurisdiction for him to hear confessions, because there is a doubt to law.[/quote]
Thank you for your much clearer response father!

[goldenchild17]

Ecclesia Supplet is probably most similar to the concept of Epikeia, but of course covering different cases of necessity.

Edited July 14, 2007 by goldenchild17

[Lil Red]

[quote name='goldenchild17' date='13 July 2007 - 05:38 PM' timestamp='1184373504' post='1327489']
Ecclesia Supplet is probably most similar to the concept of Epikeia, but of course covering different cases of necessity.
[/quote]
+JMJ+
say what?

[journeyman]

The name for such a situation in the Church is Epikeia. The definition for Epikeia, according to the Concise Catholic Dictionary is: "An interpretation of a law whereby it is considered not to bind in a particular case because of some special circumstances; an interpretation of the law in a particular instance against the letter of the law but in keeping with its spirit; an interpretation of the mind of the lawmaker which reasons that he, knowing the conditions, would not wish his law to bind in this particular case."

Many times Epikeia is used as justification without proper reason. The key to applying Epikeia is in keeping with the spirit of the law. In other words keeping with the intent and purpose of the law, and that only in extreme need is there to be a parting from the letter (strict interpretation) of the law. When one departs from the letter of the law the problem becomes where to draw the line.

not sure of the bona fides of the source quoting that definition

however, here's a "[url="http://books.google.com/books?id=sdn-d0Xtr9IC&pg=PA195&dq=Epikeia+definition&lr=&ei=sW4uSJC1KIaqtgOnzvn-Ag&sig=cNde4jW9NbCFAKnGvUOAccxwtsw#v=onepage&q=Epikeia definition&f=false"]book[/url]"

[OraProMe]

[quote name='goldenchild17' date='13 July 2007 - 07:38 PM' timestamp='1184373504' post='1327489']
Ecclesia Supplet is probably most similar to the concept of Epikeia, but of course covering different cases of necessity.
[/quote]

Can so tell you used to be a sedevacantist.

I think Ecclesia Supplet and Epikeia covers more than just confession. I believe that's why St. Athanasius could separate himself from the Arian hierarchy while remaining a good Catholic (indeed, better than the bishops and the Pope). In cases of necessity the Church, in virtue of her supreme mission which is the salvation of souls, provides jurisdiction to do what would usually be illicit. I'm thinking mainly of Econe 1988.