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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PECULIUM

An allowance of money given by a superior to a religious with a vow of poverty. The money may then be spent at the prudent judgment of the religious. If the peculium is acquired and used with the knowledge and consent of the superior, it is not incompatible with religious poverty. Abuses in the practice have been discouraged by the Holy See, and the peculium itself is opposed to the ideal of evangelical poverty. (Etym. Latin peculium, private property.)