What is a canon?

Canon: the definition in two sentences

A canon is a cleric, almost always a priest, who belongs to a chapter or to a community of canons. There are secular canons, diocesan priests attached to a cathedral, and canons regular, religious who live in community under a rule, most often the Rule of Saint Augustine.

The word comes from the Greek kanôn, "rule", which passed into Latin as canonicus. It originally referred to the clerics listed on the roll of a church and living by its rules.

Where do canons come from?

As early as the 4th century, bishops gathered the clergy of their city around them to pray and live together. Saint Augustine did so in Hippo, and the rule that bears his name would later inspire many communities. In the 8th century, Saint Chrodegang, Bishop of Metz, wrote a rule for the clergy of his cathedral.

In the 11th century, the Gregorian reform urged the clergy to return to common life. A distinction then took hold. Those who gave up their possessions and took vows became canons regular. The others remained secular canons.

The different types of canons

Secular canons, or cathedral canons

They are diocesan priests. They take no religious vows and do not necessarily live together. Appointed by the bishop, they form the chapter of a cathedral or a collegiate church, led by a dean or a provost.

Today their mission is mainly liturgical: they lead the most solemn celebrations of the cathedral. For centuries the chapter also advised the bishop and governed the diocese when the see was vacant. Much of that role now belongs to other diocesan councils.

Canons regular

They are religious. They take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, live in community and sing the Office together. Unlike monks, they do not live in enclosure, and their life of prayer opens onto an apostolate: often hospitality, preaching or serving parishes.

The best known in France are the Premonstratensians, founded by Saint Norbert in 1120 and recognisable by their white habit. There are also the Canons Regular of Saint Victor, the canons of the Great Saint Bernard in Switzerland, and the Canons Regular of the Mother of God at Lagrasse Abbey.

Canonesses

There are also canonesses. Some are nuns who follow the Rule of Saint Augustine. Under the Ancien Régime, other canoness titles were mostly honorary and reserved for women of the nobility.

Honorary canons

Finally, a bishop can give a priest the title of honorary canon in recognition of his work. The title carries no obligation within the chapter. There is even a famous honorary canon who is not a priest: by a tradition dating back to Henry IV, the President of the French Republic is the first and only honorary canon of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome.

What is the difference between a canon and a parish priest?

The parish priest is the priest responsible for a parish: he has its pastoral care. A canon is defined by belonging to a chapter or to a community of canons. The two titles are not opposed. A parish priest can be named a canon, and canons regular sometimes serve parishes, like the Premonstratensians of Mondaye in Normandy.

Canon, monk, abbot: how to tell them apart?

A monk lives in a monastery, often under the Rule of Saint Benedict. His life is centred on prayer and work within the monastery, and he is not necessarily a priest. A canon regular also shares common life and the Office, but he is usually a priest and his vocation leads him outward.

Finally, the abbot is the superior of an abbey, whether of monks or of canons regular. In French, a diocesan priest is also customarily called "abbé".

What does a canon do day to day?

For canons regular, the day is shaped by Mass and the Divine Office sung in common, from Lauds to Compline. The rest of the time goes to work, study and the apostolate: welcoming guests, preaching, spiritual direction, serving nearby parishes.

For secular canons, the chapter gathers at the cathedral for the major celebrations. Each canon also keeps his own responsibilities in the diocese.

Frequently asked questions about canons

Can a canon marry?

No, with rare exceptions. In the Latin Catholic Church, a canon is almost always a priest and is therefore bound to celibacy. A canon regular has also taken a vow of chastity. Only honorary titles given to lay people, such as that of the French President, fall outside this rule.

How do you address a canon?

The usual form is "Canon" followed by the surname; in French, one says "Monsieur le chanoine". A canon regular is simply addressed as "Father".

Can you go on retreat with canons?

Yes. Several communities of canons regular welcome retreatants, alone or in groups, for a few days of silence and prayer following the rhythm of their Offices:

• Saint-Martin de Mondaye Abbey, with the Premonstratensians, in the heart of Calvados;
• Lagrasse Abbey, nestled in the hills of the Aude;
• Champagne Abbey, with the Canons of Saint Victor, between Lyon and Valence.

A word on language: a French family expression

Have you heard the French expression "avoir une mine de chanoine", literally "to have a canon's face"? It describes someone who is glowing with health and in top form.

Make a retreat with canons

Several communities of canons welcome guests on RITRIT:

• Saint-Martin de Mondaye Abbey, in Calvados, with the Premonstratensian canons (region: Normandy);
• Lagrasse Abbey, in the Aude, with the Canons Regular of the Mother of God (region: Occitanie);
• Champagne Abbey, in the Ardèche, where guests share their meals with the canons (region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes).