Changing the name of a consecrated building.
Question from Val O'Regan on 7/7/2008:
When visiting -------- some years ago I noticed the situation in the Cathedral at ----. Its name has apparently been changed twice! Admittedly, the circumstances are unusual. Is this the exception that proves the rule?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 7/10/2008:
I prefer not to post questions regarding specific concrete circumstances unless I am familiar with them and certain about the facts. So I have eliminated most of your question, but I think that the answer will still answer will suffice.
Canon 1218 states: "Each church is to have its own title which cannot be changed after the church has been dedicated." (This canon is basically the same in the 1917 Code of Canon Law as in the current 1983 code.)
There was also an authentic interpretation, issued after the 1983 code, that stated that a bishop could not dispense from this law. Apparently, this relates to the fact that the building has been dedicated to God according to a particular title and theological underpinnings of such a dedication to God.
I would say that if someone attempt to change the name of a church building, this change would be invalid, and that the original name given by decree at the time of dedication must be restored.
Question from Val O'Regan on 7/7/2008:
When visiting -------- some years ago I noticed the situation in the Cathedral at ----. Its name has apparently been changed twice! Admittedly, the circumstances are unusual. Is this the exception that proves the rule?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 7/10/2008:
I prefer not to post questions regarding specific concrete circumstances unless I am familiar with them and certain about the facts. So I have eliminated most of your question, but I think that the answer will still answer will suffice.
Canon 1218 states: "Each church is to have its own title which cannot be changed after the church has been dedicated." (This canon is basically the same in the 1917 Code of Canon Law as in the current 1983 code.)
There was also an authentic interpretation, issued after the 1983 code, that stated that a bishop could not dispense from this law. Apparently, this relates to the fact that the building has been dedicated to God according to a particular title and theological underpinnings of such a dedication to God.
I would say that if someone attempt to change the name of a church building, this change would be invalid, and that the original name given by decree at the time of dedication must be restored.
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