Chapter VI: Of Diocesan Consultors

In those dioceses in which a cathedral Chapter of canons has not yet been able to be constituted or restored, diocesan consultors are to be instituted by the Bishop, with the peculiar prescriptions of the Apostolic See preserved; that is, priests commended by piety, morals, doctrine, and prudence.

The Bishop names the consultors, with the prescription of can. 426 remaining firm.

§ 1. Diocesan consultors are to be at least six in number; in dioceses where there are few priests, at least four; and all the same are to dwell in the episcopal city or in nearer places.

§ 2. Before they undertake a duty of this kind, they are to interpose an oath concerning faithfully carrying out the office without any acceptance of persons.

§ 1. The office of consultors is for three years.

§ 2. When the three years have elapsed, the Bishop is either to substitute others in their place, or confirm the same ones for another three years; and the same is to be observed in each three-year period.

§ 3. If, from any cause whatsoever, some consultor is lacking within the three years, the Bishop is to substitute another with the counsel of the other consultors, and he remains in office until the same three years are completed.

§ 4. But when it happens that the three years have expired while the episcopal see is vacant, the consultors remain in office until the arrival of the new Bishop, who within six months from possession begun must provide according to the norm of this canon.

§ 5. If, while the see is vacant, some consultor dies or resigns, the Capitular Vicar, with the consent of the other consultors, is to name another, who however, in order to function in the office when the see is full, needs the confirmation of the new Bishop.

The assembly of diocesan consultors supplies the place of the cathedral Chapter, as the Bishop's senate; therefore those things which the canons attribute to the cathedral Chapter for the governance of the diocese, whether when the see is full or when it is impeded or vacant, are also to be understood concerning the assembly of diocesan consultors.

During their duty, consultors are not to be removed except for a just cause and with the counsel of the other consultors.