Ordinariate (from Ordinary, q. v.).—This term is used in speaking collectively of all the various organs through which an ordinary, and especially a bishop, exercises the different forms of his authority. This word, which is employed particularly in Germany, does not occur in strict canonical language; but it is exactly equivalent to what canonists call the curia. Just as the pope is officially responsible for all that is done in his name and by his authority in the different branches of the Roman Curia (congregations of cardinals, tribunals, offices), so, too, an ordinary and especially a bishop bears the official responsibility of whatever is done, in his name and with his authority, by the persons or committees composing his curia, who are the organs of his administration (vicar-general, official, judges, secretaries, councils of various kinds). Whatever may be the exact form of this administration in each diocese, it is still the diocesan administration and the ordinariate. (See Bishop; Diocesan CHANCERY; OFFICIAL} VICAR-GENERAL; VICAR Capitular.)
A. Boudinhon.