A body of clerics instituted for the purpose of observing greater solemnity of Divine worship. Churches at which such chapters function are known as collegiate churches. The canons or members of the chapter are governed by definite regulations established in church law and by their capitular constitutions. Only the Holy See can institute or suppress collegiate chapters. The history of the collegiate chapter as an ecclesiastical corporation developed along with capitular history in general, but the collegiate chapter did not enjoy the prestige or power of the cathedral chapter.
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