abbey nullius
(Latin: of no [diocese])
A territory belonging to no diocese , i.e., separated and distinct by proper boundaries from surrounding dioceses . It is ruled by a prelate, who exercises active jurisdiction over the clergy and people living in his territory. The abbies of Saint Peter, Muenster, Saskatchewan, the Belmont Abbey , North Carolina, New Norcia, Australia , and Lindi, Senegal were abbies nullius, but their jurisdiction has been suppessed and made part of a diocese.