BISHOP’S TABLE (MENSA EPISCOPALE). – The aggregate of ecclesiastical goods destined for the support of the bishop (archbishops, primates, prelates *nullius*) and of his household. The history of the formation of the so-called *mensa episcopale* is connected with the evolution of the ecclesiastical benefice (v.). What is here set forth pertains only to present canon law.
The bishop has the right to receive the revenues of the *mensa episcopale* from the day on which he takes possession of the diocese (can. 349 § 2, 1°); this right is inherent in his office. Even the capitular vicar, during the period of sede vacante, has the right to a suitable remuneration, which must be drawn from the *mensa episcopale* (can. 441, 1°). In the dismemberment of benefices it is forbidden to unite a parochial benefice to the *mensa episcopale* (can. 1423 § 2) so as to avoid unnecessary conflicts with the Ordinary. The *mensa episcopale* is not exempt from the seminary tax, which is devoted to the support of seminaries (can. 1356 § 1).
As regards the administration of these goods, can. 1483 provides: 1) that the goods of the *mensa episcopale* be diligently administered by the bishop (a prescription that recalls the obligation of can. 1476); 2) that, by its nature, this administration entails the duty of keeping the episcopal residence in good repair, except in cases where this pertains to other persons or entities, such as, for example, the municipal administration; 3) that, to avoid confusion of goods, the bishop must draw up an accurate inventory in which the utensils and movable goods found in the episcopal palace and belonging to the *mensa episcopale* are enumerated, and that he must see to it that the document be transmitted fully and securely to his successor.
Causes relating to the *mensa episcopale* concerning goods are, with the consent of the bishop, referred to the diocesan tribunal, composed of the *officialis* and two judges presided over by the metropolitan (can. 274, 8°); the representation in judgment belongs to the bishop, who is obliged to appoint a procurator (can. 1655 § 4) and to seek the assent or opinion of the cathedral chapter or the administrative council in certain cases (can. 1663 § 1; 1532 § 2, 3).
The Lateran Concordat (arts. 17 and 23) provides that in the event of the reduction of dioceses the economic resources thereof shall in no way be diminished, without any exception for state allowances. According to art. 30, there is no obligation of conversion for ecclesiastical patrimonies and therefore also for the *mensa episcopale*; finally, the *mensa episcopale* of the suburbicarian dioceses is not subject to state intervention, which is admitted provisionally for the goods of other dioceses only in acts exceeding simple administration.