DIGNITIES. – In a general sense, dignities are ecclesiastical offices with attached jurisdiction and precedence in honor. In a strict and specific sense, they are offices and prebendal titles established in canonical chapters and forming a distinct category from the canons.
In ancient law, dignities were distinguished from personates and canons in that they combined the prerogatives of honor with the power of external forum jurisdiction; today, they exist as true titles but with only the prerogatives of precedence and honor, excluding any jurisdiction.
Dignities are obligatory for every chapter church and, contrary to what was provided in ancient law, normally form part of the chapter, unless the particular statutes provide otherwise (can. 393). They vary in number and name according to the various chapter constitutions. The most common are the archdeacon, archpriest, provost, primicerius, and dean. Their erection and conferral are reserved to the Holy See (can. 394, 396). The holder of at least the first dignity should, as far as possible, possess a degree in theology or canon law (can. 396 § 3).
In general, dignities, according to the order of precedence, have the right and duty to convene, preside over, and represent the chapter, regulate choral service, and oversee discipline and patrimonial administration (can. 397 n. 4). They also have the right and duty, always in order of precedence, to assist the bishop when he celebrates pontifically, to substitute for him in the liturgical functions of the principal solemnities of the year, to administer the last sacraments to him if necessary, and to officiate at his solemn funeral rites (can. 397 nn. 1, 2, 3).
For all other matters—choral service, economic treatment, prebendal revenues, choral distributions, etc.—the same norms apply to dignities as to canons in general (v. CANONS; CHAPTER).