CANON THEOLOGIAN. - In every cathedral church there must be the office of canon theologian, which may also be instituted in collegiate churches, especially distinguished ones (can. 398, § 1). In the absence of a holder capable of fulfilling this task, at least the office must be instituted.
1. The office of canon theologian found its origin under the pontificate of Innocent III in a decree of the Fourth Lateran Council (1215) conceived as follows: "In every metropolitan church a theologian must be designated, having the mission of interpreting the Holy Scriptures and teaching the faithful what is the object of the pastoral ministry" (L. Thomassin, Antiqua et nova disciplina Ecclesiae circa beneficia, Lucca 1728, I, ch. 1; II, ch. 10, n. 1). This decree, extended to cathedral churches by the Council of Basel, was solemnly promulgated by the Council of Trent (sess. V, c. 1). For this office there shall be chosen the one who, in view of local circumstances, proves most fit to carry out such functions: all other conditions being equal, a doctor shall be designated, and preferably a doctor in theology (can. 399, §§ 1-2). Following the motu proprio "Bibliorum scientiam" of Pius XI, of 27 April 1924, the canon theologian, charged with explaining Holy Scripture to the faithful, must have obtained academic degrees from the Biblical Commission or at least have received the title of bachelor at the Biblical Institute of Rome (AAS, 16 [1924], pp. 180-82).
2. The canon theologian, on the days and at the hours fixed by the bishop after consultation with the Chapter, must publicly explain Holy Scripture in the cathedral or collegiate church. Should he deem it opportune, the bishop may entrust the holder with the teaching of other branches of Catholic doctrine, such as, for example, dogma and moral theology. It should be added that for a grave reason the canon theologian may be called to teach the sacred sciences in the seminary instead of giving these lectures in church: such a grave reason exists when the bishop finds no other professor competent for the purpose. In this case, the canon theologian who obeys his bishop is considered equally to be performing the functions of his office and does not lose any of his canonical rights (can. 420, § 1, n. 2).
3. The canon theologian too, like all canons, is appointed by the bishop, unless in certain capitular churches the choice is subject to competition, a system which, where it exists, must be preserved (can. 399, § 2).
4. The canon theologian shall perform his functions personally, or, should he be prevented from doing so for a period exceeding six months, he is bound to have himself replaced at his own expense by another priest whom the bishop shall designate (can. 400, § 2).
The canonical sanctions are the same as those of the canon penitentiary (v.; can. 2384).
Bibliography
Romualdo Souarn