Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
DOMICILE
Permanent habitation in the eyes of the law, by which a person accepts certain responsibilities and has specified rights. to acquire domicile, one must actually take up residence in a given place with the intention of permanently living there or actually living there for ten years. Domiciles can be maintained in two place, e.g., summer and winter residences. A wife's domicile is that of her husband; a child's that of its parents legal guardians; an ecclesiastically separated wife may maintain her own. If not ecclesiastically separated, she can have only a quasi-domicile. Temporary absence, no matter how long, does not result in loss of domicile privileges. domicile entitles a person to ministrations from the pastor of a parish and the bishop of that diocese, to both of whom he owes spiritual obedience. By domicile one acquires a proper parish and a proper diocese. (Etym. Latin domicilium, abode, dwelling; from domus, house.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
