Commendatoire

Commendatoire refers to a historical practice in the Catholic Church where a monastery or abbey was entrusted to the temporary administration of a secular cleric or a bishop. This commendatory abbot, or commendatory prior, was appointed by a higher authority, often a king or the Pope, rather than by the monks themselves through an election. The commendatory abbot did not necessarily have to be a member of the religious order of the monastery he administered. His primary role was to manage the temporal affairs and revenues of the monastic institution, and often to ensure its defense.

The system of commendam originated in the 11th century and became increasingly common over the centuries. While initially intended to provide financial support for the appointed individual and to protect the monastic property, it often led to abuses. Commendatory abbots, who might have little interest in the spiritual life of the community, sometimes exploited the monastery's resources for their own benefit. This could result in neglect of the monastic buildings, a decline in religious observance among the monks, and a general weakening of the monastic order.

The practice of commendam was a source of considerable controversy and was frequently criticized by reformers within the Church. Efforts were made at various times to curtail or abolish it, but it persisted for centuries. The Council of Trent, for instance, addressed the issue and sought to impose stricter regulations on the appointment and conduct of commendatory abbots. Ultimately, the commendam system was gradually phased out during the late 18th and 19th centuries, as secularization and reforms within the Church altered the landscape of monastic administration.