TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC DICTIONARY ONLINE—K

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K

Kenosis, n.; Gr., L. The heretical theory which considers the Incarnation in the sense that the second Person of the Blessed Trinity took a lower nature, namely, the human nature, discarding His divine nature for a time, or at least foregoing some divine attributes temporarily; the theory of abasement.

Keys (power of), n.pl; A.S. A term used to show the superior ecclesiastical authority of the Pope. The keys are the symbol of the office and power of the Pope and also of the Sacrament of Penance. (Matt. 16:19.)

Kings, n.pl; A.S. (1) The four books of the Old Testament dealing principally with the history of the kings of Israel and Juda. The first two arc sometimes called the Books of Samuel. (2) The Magi,the three oriental rulers who journeyed to greet the Christ child.

Kiss, n.; A.S. A gesture of reverence or devotion. The pax or kiss of peace is the ceremonial embrace and kiss given as a sign of fraternal charity during High Mass to all the clergy present and to those serving at the altar. Also the ritual kisses of objects and of the celebrant's hands during a High Mass.

Knight, n.; A.S. (1) A horseman warrior of the Middle Ages who was pledged under oath to fight for just causes only, to be subject to the Church and her priests, and to be a vassal of the Blessed Virgin and thus to protect all women by acts of chivalry. (2) One raised to the dignity of one of the six pontifical orders of knighthood.

Kyriale, n.; Gr. A book containing the notation for chanting the ordinary of the Mass; a book of eighteen Masses in plain-chant, used by choirs, each of which is assigned to a particular rank of feast or season.

Kyrie Eleison (kee-ree-ay ee-lay-sonn), n.; Gr. The Greek words meaning "Lord, have mercy" used together with the words Christe Eleison which mean "Christ have mercy"; it is said immediately after the introit of the Mass.

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