Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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INSTITUTION

The act of founding or establishing. Also that which is established, as a practice or custom. An institution is likewise an organization for the promotion of public welfare, such as a church, school, hospital, or place of residence for the aged or handicapped. Canonical institution is the act by which an ecclesiastical authority confers on someone a benefice presented by a third person who has the right of presentation, and also a bishop's approbation granted to a beneficiary for the exercise of his ministerial functions.