Legal Definitions - eleemosynae

Eleemosynae refers to the possessions or assets that belong to a church or religious institution, particularly within the framework of ecclesiastical law. These can include a wide range of properties, from physical buildings and land to financial resources and sacred objects, all held by the church to support its religious functions, charitable work, and ongoing mission.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Imagine a large, historic cathedral that owns not only the impressive building where services are held but also the surrounding grounds, a rectory where the clergy reside, and an adjacent plot of land used as a community garden. All these physical properties—the cathedral itself, the land, the rectory, and the garden—are considered eleemosynae because they are tangible possessions legally belonging to the church, used to facilitate its religious activities and community engagement.

• Consider a local parish that receives regular donations, tithes, and bequests from its members. These financial contributions are deposited into the church's bank accounts and may be used for daily operations, outreach programs, or invested in an endowment fund to ensure the church's long-term financial stability. These monetary assets, whether in cash, bank accounts, or investments, are examples of eleemosynae, as they are financial possessions owned by the church to support its mission and ministries.

• A monastery might possess a collection of ancient religious texts, several intricately carved wooden altarpieces, and a set of antique vestments used during special ceremonies. These valuable and often sacred items, which are integral to the monastery's heritage and worship practices, are also categorized as eleemosynae. They represent specific movable property and artistic assets that belong to the religious institution and are held for its spiritual and historical purposes.