Among monks, the community gathers daily around the superior who reads in order to comment upon it, an excerpt from the rule, in Latin capitulum. What is called the chapter is therefore this meeting which, depending on the case, may take place in the morning or in the evening. It is the moment when news is communicated, tasks distributed, or admitted violations of the rule sanctioned (in chapter language called “coulpes”, that is to say faults), when decisions are made (thus to have the right or vote of chapter is said literally of monks who may take part in deliberations or vote). The word came to designate the place, the chapter room, (which is generally in the cloister and thereby puts it in direct communication with the church) as well as the assembly itself: the chapter of such and such an abbey, collegiate church or cathedral. It is the place, for example, where elections are held and where a brother is given his habit.
Canons have the same custom. Among them, the decision-making is traditionally more collegial and is exercised particularly by chapter vote.
At present, among the Premonstratensians, three forms of chapter may be distinguished and which correspond to a particular level of authority of decision-making. First, there is the house chapter. As its name indicates, it brings together all the brethren of the same house, novices as well as professed, priests as well as lay brothers, and is in large measure a consultative organ intended to promote the exchanges necessary for a proper fraternal life. Next comes the canonry chapter, which brings together those having made solemn profession, the priests and lay brothers of the entire canonry. It is led to take certain decisions by way of vote; it is consulted, for exemple, in admitting a brother to making his profession. This body also carries out the election of the abbot or the delegates responsible for representing him at other levels of authority. And then, above all, there is the general chapter held every six years, at the level of the entire order within which it constitutes the sovereign authority. All the prelates (superiors) of the order are members by right; joining them are one or several delegates per canonry, depending on their size. It is presided over by the abbot general who acts with the chapter definitors (a council of four members elected by all the chapter members). It elects the abbot general in the event of a vacancy and promulgates or adapts the laws, reviews the constitutions, supervises the fidelity and the proper functioning of the various canonries and officers of the order.
[updated on the 20.12.05]
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Charles the Bold
In 1466, Dinant, which had revolted, alongside the population of Liège, against Bishop Louis of Bourbon, was sacked and burnt by the armies of his uncle, Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. Charles the Bold lodged and set up his headquarters there during the siege of the city. (read more)
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