Kanonicy koadiutorzy w kapitule katedralnej wileńskiej w okresie przedrozbiorowym

Abstract

The institution of auxiliary canons with the right of succession in the Vilnius cathedral collegiate was not known until 1766, with the exception of one nomination at the beginning of the 17th century. Out of twenty-eight auxiliary canon nominations, twenty-two date as late as the second half of the 18 century. Vilnius canons would choose auxiliary canons with the right to succession for purely practical reasons, such as old age, illness, or other circumstances which prevented them from fulfilling their duties at the cathedral. The process of introducing an auxiliary canon to the collegiate differed in no significant way from the process of introducing a regular canon, with the exception of the duty of having obtained a papal bull. The auxiliary canons would take over all the responsibilities of a canon in his absence. They enjoyed no privileges that were given to the permanent members of the collegiate, and they received no regular payment. They would receive a certain gratification for their work, which constituted a part of the canon's prestimonium. They would become permanent members of the collegiate upon a death of a canon, his resignation or promotion. An avalanche of auxiliary canon nominations in the second half of the 18th century was due to the financial situation of the collegiate (a significant part of land was lost in the first partition) and the political situation of the country. These circumstances engaged the actual canons and would not make it possible for them to keep the duty of residence. The institution of auxiliary canons, due to difficulties in contacts with the Holy See, fell shortly after the third partition of Poland.