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Rh immemorial, even though confirmed by the apostolic authority notwithstanding; the bishop, as the delegate of the Apostolic See, shall have power to take cognizance touching any surreption, obreption, or defect of intention, in regard thereof.

CHAPTER XV.

Method of increasing the Slight Prebends of Cathedral and eminent Collegiate Churches.

In cathedral, and eminent collegiate churches where the prebends ore numerous, and so small, that, even with the daily distributions, they are insufficient for the decent maintenance of the rank of the canons, according to the character of the place, and of the persons, it shall be lawful for the bishop, with the consent of the chapter, either to unite thereunto certain simple benefices, not however such as belong to regulars, or, if provision cannot be made in this way they may reduce those prebends to a less number, by suppressing some of them, with the consent of the patron, if the right of patronage belong to laymen, the fruits and proceeds of which shall be applied to the daily distributions of the remaining prebends; in such wise, however, that such a number shall be left as may conveniently answer for the celebration of divine worship, and for the dignity of the church; any constitutions and privileges soever, or any reservation whether general or special, or any application soever notwithstanding. Nor shall the aforesaid unions or suppressions be set aside or hindered by any manner of provision soever, not even by force of any resignation, or by any other derogations or suspensions soever.

CHAPTER XVI.

What Duty devolves upon the Chapter during the Vacancy of a See.

The chapter, when a see is vacant, in those places where the duty of receiving the fruits devolves upon it, shall appoint one or more faithful and diligent stewards to take care of the ecclesiastical property and revenues, of which they shall afterwards give an account to him to whom it may appertain. It shall also be by all means bound, within eight days after the decease of the bishop, to appoint an official,