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Abbess, n.; L., Fr. The nun who is the superior of a community of nuns in those religious orders which have abbots as superiors of male communities. An abbess has domestic or temporal authority but no spiritual jurisdiction. Abbe (Fr. abbot), n.; L., Fr. Title given to an abbot, but generally to a secular ecclesiastic in France; often used colloquially to refer to any cleric. Abbey, n.; L,, Fr. Properly a monastery or convent governed by an abbot or abbess; also the community of monks or nuns numbering at least twelve in a canonically erected monastery or convent. Generally refers to the entire group of buildings, but sometimes only to the church building. Abbot, n.; Gr,, L. The superior of a community of men in an abbey. The one directing a group of men in an abbey who live under religious vows according to a rule or laws for the community. The abbot is elected for life. His authority is the administration of the property of the abbey, the enforcing of the rule, the exercise of quasi-episcopal powers, as he has the privilege of conferring Tonsure and Minor Orders, and a limited use of the Pontificals, and he may at times pontificate. Abbreviator, n.; L. A notary or secretary employed in the Papal Chancery and entrusted with the work of abbreviating and copying papal documents. Abdias, n.; Gr.; Bib. The Greek name of Abadiah, author of the shortest prophetical book of the Old Testament. Abduction, n.; L.The forceful carrying off or detention of a woman by a man which forms a diriment impediment to marriage between such a man and woman so long as she is in his power against her will for the purpose of marriage. Abjuration, n.; L. (1) The renunciation or denial under oath of an apostasy, heresy or schism before apostates, heretics or schismatics are validly absolved from excommunication. (2) Required as a preliminary of a convert's confession of faith previous to the reception of Baptism. Ablegate, n,; L. An envoy of the Papal service who bears the red biretta to a new cardinal who is not residing in Rome; a legate from the Holy Father with this mission. Ablution, n.; L., Fr. The wine and water with which the celebrating priest washes remaining particles of the communion host from his thumb and index finger after the Communion in the Mass. In the Mass, the washing and consuming by the priest of this wine and water. Also the process of purifying the chalice during Mass. Abrogation, n.; L. In canon law, the repeal or cancellation of a law; the total revoking of a law. Absolution, n.; L.(1) The remission of sin by an authorized priest in the Sacrament of Penance; the judicial act of forgiving; sacramental forgiveness. Conditional absolution is that given when the Sacrament is in danger of nullity or when, if it is not given or is denied, the penitent might suffer spiritual loss. General absolution is that given to a group simultaneously when private confession is impossible. Those so absolved are obliged to mention their sins when they next have an opportunity to go to confession. (2) Absolution from censures is the removal of penalties imposed by the church; it grants reconciliation with the Church. (3) Absolution for the dead is that ceremony performed over the body of the dead after a requiem Mass, and in which the priest implores the remission, indirectly, of the penalties of sin. If the body is not present, the service is held over the catafalque. (4) Absolutions in the breviary are those short petition prayers said before the lessons in matins. Abstinence, n.; L., Fr. (1) The act whereby an individual forgoes or deprives himself of something pleasing to the senses, such as alcoholic beverages. (2) The obligation attached to certain days on which the Church forbids Catholics to eat flesh meat; the limiting of the kind of food but not the quantity as in fasting. The days of abstinence are: All Fridays of the year except when a holyday falls on Friday outside of Lent; the ember days; the vigils of Christmas, Assumption, Pentecost, and All Saints; Ash Wednesday and the Saturdays of Lent. In the United States, however, the Saturday lenten abstinence is transferred to the Wednesdays of Lent except that of the forenoon of Holy Saturday. Accident, n.; L., Fr. That which is apt to exist only in another being; it has no independent existence, its existence is not self-sufficient. As spoken of regarding the Blessed Sacrament, the accidents are what the senses perceive. Philosophical term in distinction to substance. Accidie (ak-see-dee), n.; L. The sin of spiritual laziness. Indifference toward a spiritual good because one is obliged to live up to its troublesome requirements. In itself it is venial sin, but is mortal when it leads to the neglect of a grave obligation. Acclamation, n,; L (1) Naming one to an ecclesiastical dignity unanimously by the elector: without balloting, or by vocal acclaim. One of three ways of electing a Pope. (2) A brief liturgical formula such as, Laus tibi Christe. Accommodation, n.; L.; Bib. An adaptation of the words of Scripture to express idea different from those intended by the author. The adapting of the words of Scripture to a speech or subject to illustrate it; and adapts application of Scripture. Accomplice, n.; L. On who cooperates in the sin of another; one who gives physical or moral aid to another in the commission of a sin or the planning of a sinful act. Acolyte, n.; Gr., L. An escort; an attendant. His office is that of assisting the priest at Mass, of performing the duties of Mass-server. (1) The name given to the highest of the four minor orders; a sacramental. (2) A Mass-server or assistant of a priest at any ritualistic ceremony. Act (of worship), n.; L., Fr. The Mass and the divine office which are the principle services of the Catholic Church and the chief acts of worship. Generally, the adoration of God. Action, n.; L., Fr. (1) The Canon of the Mass. (2) The discussion of a single subject in a session of a council. (3) Used in the phrase "Catholic Action" to denote the acts commissioned by the hierarchy for the participation of the laity in the liturgy, prayer, conversion duties, and work of the Catholic hierarchy. Work to advance the cause of Christ in temporal and spiritual matters; first, personally, second, in the family, and third, in the associations of social life. Acts, n.pl,; L., Fr. (1) The proceedings and their recording in a court of justice. (2) "Acts" of the Martyrs, accounts of their confessions of faith and death. (3) The "Acts of the Apostles" which is the section of Sacred Scripture wherein their activities are recorded. (4) Prayers by which one declares his faith in God, hope in Him, charity or love of Him, and sorrow for sin because of offending Him. Actual Grace, adj. & n.; L. The internal gift of God to the soul which after the manner of a motion influences the will and understanding, lasting as long as the action for which it is given lasts. Actual grace may be that which excites the mind to act, or it may be that which assists the mind to complete an action already begun. (Cf. Grace.) A.D. abbre,; L. Abbreviation for the Latin words Anno Domini meaning literally "in the year of the Lord," and denoting the years after the Incarnation of the Son of God from which time we now reckon our calendar. Adam ,n.; Heb.; Bib. Proper name used for the first man created by God. He from whom all mankind is descended. Adamites, n. pi.; Heb., L. (1) An obscure Gnostic sect of the second century. (2) A fanatical sect of the Middle Ages given to nudism. Adjuration, n.; L. The act of begging earnestly or of commanding in God's name, or in the name of some holy person or thing, in order to urge the person addressed to act or to desist from acting, as in the rite of exorcism. Administrator , n.; L. He who is in charge of a diocese when the bishop is lawfully absent or when the diocese is vacant by resignation or removal of the bishop, or during the interim between the death of the bishop and the arrival of his successor. Also applied to a priest who directs and governs a parish temporarily but is himself not the permanent rector or pastor. Admonition, n.; L. The penal remedy required by canon law before a censure can be imposed; a warning to cease doing an evil act or simply some misconduct before a censure is imposed; usually there are three given. Adoration, n.; L. (1) Acts of divine worship directed to God; (2) Perpetual— Continuous exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, day and night, during which time adorers take turns in offering prayers and devotion. (3) Adoration of the Cross: the ceremony of Good Friday, so called by long use, which is an act of venerating the crucifix. (Cf. Latria.) Adultery, n.; L. Act of infidelity, by carnal intercourse, to the bond of marriage by either husband or wife. Sin against chastity and also against justice. If a married man and a married woman, each unfaithful to his or her spouse, commit this sin with each other and make an agreement of marrying in the future, they incur a diriment impediment which prevents them from marrying each other even though their respective partners die. Advent, n.; L. The time of preparation for the Feast of the Incarnation, which in the Church calendar consists of three or four weeks between Advent Sunday, the Sunday nearest the Feast of St. Andrew, and Christmas eve. The first liturgical season of the Church calendar. The period of spiritual preparation for Christmas. Advocate, n.; L., Fr. A lawyer in an ecclesiastical court, either cleric or lay, who pleads a case. Advowson, n.; L. The right by which one founding a benefice could present some cleric to the bishop when the benefice was vacant, (obs.) Aequiprobabilism, n.; L,, Fr. Also equiprobabilism. The system of moral theology which teaches that (a) in a strict doubt as to the existence of a law, the law need not be obeyed. There is a strict doubt when the opinions are equally probable for the law and for liberty; (b) in a strict doubt as to whether a certain law has ceased to bind, the law must be obeyed; liberty may never be favored when the opinion for the law is certainly more probable. The basis of this system is the obligation of the human mind to seek truth, and if it cannot find what is certainly true, to accept what seems nearer to truth. (Cf. Probabilism.) Affinity, n.; L. Relationship of persons arising from a valid Christian marriage, whether consummated or not. It exists between either party to the marriage and the blood relations of the other party. In canon law an impediment to marriage; it annuls possibility of marriage in all degrees in the direct line of blood relationship and to the second degree inclusive of the collateral line. Agape (ag-ar-pay), n.; Gr., L. An obsolete feast or meal, sometimes called brotherly or love feast, taken in common following an early practice of the Greeks. It was in commemoration of the Last Supper and was probably taken before the celebration of Mass. Age, n.; L. The canonical age is that time fixed when one incurs certain obligations or can receive certain dignities or privileges. The canonical age is reckoned from the day of birth and not from the day of baptism. The canonical age affects the life of a Christian in the following: (a) at the age of seven a child becomes subject to the laws of the Church, e.g., Sunday Mass, abstinence, etc.; it is presumed that at that age one has the use of reason; there are exceptions, however: a child is obliged by the law of annual confession and Paschal Communion as soon as he attains to the use of reason, even though he has not completed his seventh year. (b) Marriage contracted by males under sixteen or by females under fourteen is null and void. Males attain the age of puberty at the end of the fourteenth year, and females at the end of the twelfth year of age; those who have not reached the age of puberty are not subject to penalties latae sententiae; God-parents at Baptism must normally be at least fourteen years of age. (c) At the age of twenty-one the obligation to fast begins, and this obligation ceases for both men and women at the beginning of the sixtieth year. Aggeus, n.; L. The Latin for the Hebrew name Haggai. He is the tenth among the minor prophets; the recording of his prophecies in the Old Testament is called the Book of Aggeus. Agnus Dei (arn-yoos-Day-ee), n.; L. (1) The prayer in the Mass, shortly before the Communion, beginning with these words, in English, "Lamb of God." (2) Name given to disks of wax on which are impressed the figure of a lamb and which are blessed at regular seasons by the Pope; they may be oblong, round or oval in shape and vary in size; the figure of the lamb usually has a banner or cross accompanying it.
Agrapha (ag-ra-fa), n.pl.; Gr. Sayings of our Lord not recorded in the canonical Gospels but handed down; one instance is found in inspired Scripture in Acts. xx, xxxv. Alb, n.; L. The white, full length, linen vestment with sleeves worn over the amice by the priest in celebrating Mass. It is bound close to the body by the cincture. Albigenses, n.pl.; L. Heretics of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries who held the Manichaen belief of two creative principles, one good and one bad. Alienation, n.; L.The transference of title on property rights to Church property to another; e.g. by sale, mortgage, exchange, lease, gift, etc. Aliturgical, adj.; Gr. Term applied to those days of the year on which the celebration of Mass is forbidden; now only Good Friday. Allegorical, adj.; Gr.,L. Said of a thing spoken in allegory. Allegory, n.; Gr., L. A story or metaphor used in Sacred Scripture; a parable; the description of one thing under the image of another thing. Alleluia, n., interj.; Gr., L. Word used in the liturgy of the Church as a joyful prayer of praise, meaning "praise the Lord." Allocution, n.; L. A pronouncement on an important matter of the moment, made by the Pope to the cardinals gathered in secret consistory; a papal announcement of policy either of ecclesiastical or civil affairs. All Saints A.S., L. The Feast celebrated on the first of November commemorating all the Saints of the Church, whether canonized or not. All Souls A.S. The feast celebrated on the second of November in solemn commemoration of and as prayer for the souls in Purgatory. The priest is permitted to celebrate three Masses on this day. All-wise, adj.; A.S. Descriptive of the attribute of God's knowledge, which means that His infinite wisdom prompts the planning, the foresight, and the ordering of all created things; thus, it contains within it God's providence. (Cf. Omniscience.) Almoner, n.; A.S. Formerly an ecclesiastic at a king's court in charge of the distribution of alms. Now sometimes applied to a chaplain of a charitable institution. Alms(arms), n.; A.S., Gr., L. Originally any temporal or spiritual work of mercy; now any material gift or aid given in Christian charity to one in need. Almuce, n.; L., A.S. The garment for covering the head and shoulders worn by Canons while chanting the office in choir. Altar, n.; L., A.S. A place of offering sacrifice. The table used for the celebration of the Sacrifice of the Mass. The altar stone, a removable stone in the center of the altar, is essential to the Mass, is of stone, must be consecrated by a bishop, and large enough to support the host and the greater part of the chalice. Within this stone the altar relic is placed, (a) The "fixed" or immovable" altar is the stone tabletop together with its supports consecrated as a whole, (b) The "portable" or "movable" altar consists of the altar stone alone, usually small, which is consecrated by itself or the stone table top without its upright supports.
Altar (high), n.; L., A.S. The principal or main altar in a church.(a) An altar is designated as a side altar when it is an altar other than the high altar, (b) Doubled altar is an altar built so that Mass can be offered on either side of it. (c) A fixed altar is one solidly built of stone and immovable. (Cf. Altar.) Altarage, n.; L., A.S. The offerings received by a priest from the laity for performing ceremonies such as baptisms, marriages, or funerals. (Obs.) (Cf. Honorarium, Stipend.) Altar breads, n.pl.; L., A.S. Round wafers baked of fine, wheaten, unleavened flour and used in the consecration at Mass. There are two sizes, the smaller for the Communion of the faithful, the larger for the priest's Communion of the Mass and for exposition. Also called hosts. Altar cards , n.pl.; L., Fr. The three cards placed at the center and two sides of the altar table and on which are printed some parts of the Mass which are constant, or contained in the ordinary of the Mass. Altar cloths, n. pl.; L., A.S. Three cloths, always of linen, required by the rubrics of Mass, which are spread over the top of the altar and are specially blessed for use on the altar. Altar piece, n.; L., A.S. A painting at the back of the main altar; decorative statuary on the altar. Altar stone, n.; L., A.S.(1) The small square, consecrated stone which is the portable altar. (2) The entire top of the fixed or immovable altar. (Cf. Altar.) Ambo, n.; pl. ambos. Gr. A raised platform or pulpit approached by steps. It was placed in the nave of early churches from which pronouncements were made or where certain parts of the sacred liturgy, as the Epistle and Gospel of High Mass, were, and sometimes still are, sung. There may be two, one on each side. Ambry, n.; L, A closet or chest wherein the holy oils are kept on church property, usually attached to the wall of the sanctuary. Ambulatory, n.; L. The two aisles of a church running up to and behind the high altar, forming a circular walk; a gallery or walking space in a cloister. Amen, interj.; Heb. A word meaning "truly," "certainly," "so be it." When said at the end of a Creed, it means assent; at the end of a prayer, it signifies desire to obtain the petition. Otherwise, the word is merely to mark the ending of a statement. Amice, n.; O.E. An oblong white linen cloth worn on the shoulders of the priest and fastened around the waist by ribbons attached to two corners. The first garment in the vesting of a priest for celebrating Mass, worn beneath the alb. Amos, n.; Heb. A prophetical book of the Old Testament;the author of this book who lived in the eighth century B.C. Amulet, n.; L. In pagan times a charm or good luck piece. Christians of the early Church replaced these objects with medals or emblems bearing an image or relic and worn for veneration not for good luck or other superstitious purposes. Anamnesis, n.; L. Literally "a calling to mind." The words in the prayer of the Mass which declare that the consecration is fulfilled in memory of Christ; in the Roman rite the first of three prayers after the Consecration of the Mass beginning with the words Unde et memores. (Cf. Anemnesis.) Anaphora , n.; Gr. The Canon of the Mass, including the Preface in Eastern rites. Anathema, n.; Gr., L. A thing given over to evil; that pronouncement by which the Church declares a person to be out of her communion, particularly because of the denial of a truth of faith; an excommunication. Anchor, n.; Gr,, L. The symbol of hope. In the days of early persecutions it was used to represent the cross.
Anchorite, n.; Gr., L. A man who has given up the world and lives alone, dedicating his life to God. A hermit, especially one of the Eastern Church. Anemnesis, n.; Gr., L. A commemorative prayer. The term is usually applied to the commemoration of Christ's Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension in the prayer beginning Unde et memores which is said after the consecration of the Mass. Also, anamnesis. Angel, n.; Gr., L. A spiritual being created by God superior in nature to man. Literally means "messenger," one sent. A pure spirit, a being that cannot be perceived by the senses because it has no body but which is a person since it possesses intellect and free will. Angels are innumerable in number. There are nine orders, or classifications, three in each hierarchy: Angel (Guardian), n.pl.; Gr., L.The angel, one appointed to every human being, whose duty it is to aid men to avoid evil, to pray, and to help him guard his thoughts at all times, and who presents man's soul to God if he is saved. Angelical salutation, n.; Gr., L, "The Hail Mary." The prayer so named because it begins with the Archangel Gabriel's words of greeting to the Blessed Virgin when he announced to her that she was to become the Mother of God. (Cf. Hail Mary, Ave Maria.) Angelus, n.; L. The devotion honoring the Incarnation and venerating the Blessed Virgin at morning (6 o'clock), noon, and evening (6 o'clock) by the recitation of three Hail Marys, with words spoken by the Blessed Virgin at the Annunciation, and a final prayer. Also referred to the angelus bell which is rung at the three times of the day. Anger, n.; O.E. The excessive desire or inclination to take revenge. It is excessive when the passion is unreasonably strong in the mind or in outward expression. It is grievous when it offends charity or justice in its expression. It is one of the capital or deadly sins because it easily leads to other sins. Its contrary virtue is meekness. (Cf. Capital Sins.) Anglican Orders,n.pl.; L. Holy Orders of controverted validity of the clergy of the heretical Church of England. Declared by the Church to be "absolutely null and void" in the Bull Apostolicae Curae (1896). Annates, n. pl.; L. Revenues for the first year of an ecclesiastical benefice. Benefits given to the Pope to aid in defraying the expense of his office and international work. Anniversary, n,; L. In ecclesiastical language, a Requiem Mass read on the third, seventh, and thirtieth day after the death of a person, or a year after the death. Annulment, n.; L. (1) Declaration of the invalidity of a marriage by civil or ecclesiastical courts. (2) of a vow, the withdrawal or suspension of the obligation by a lawful superior. Annunciation, n.; L. The statement made to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel that she was to be the Mother of the Son of God. (Luke 1 :26-38.) This event is commemorated on March 25. Anointing, n.; L. (1) Term applied to the act of tracing a mark in the form of a cross, with a holy oil, on a person or thing. (2) Referring to the sick, it usually means the administration of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. Antependium, n.; L. The cloth hanging down in front of the altar from the front edge of the table to the floor, varying in color with the liturgical season or the particular Mass being celebrated. Required by rubrics when the altar is not of stone. A frontal. (Cf. Frontal.) Anticamera, n.; L., It. A room adjoining the study of the Pope; a waiting room to the Pope's office. Antichrist, n.; Gr., L.The person or power to come before the second coming of Christ who will persecute the Church and cause many to apostasize. Anticipation, n.; L. The practice of reciting, on the previous evening or after 2 p.m., matins and lauds of the divine office; permitted only in the recitation of the divine office in private. Anticlericalism, n; L. Opposition to religion by attacking the clergy or attempting to stop their activities. This may be an attack against the clergy themselves or attempts to stop their work, or it may be simply an habitual spirit of antagonism. Antilogy, n.; Gr., L. An apparent contradiction between statements in Sacred Scripture. Antimension, n.; Gr., L. A combination corporal and altar stone used in the Byzantine Rite. It is an i8-in. square piece of linen doubled, in which are sewn up relics anointed with chrism. It is generally ornamented with a design, representing the entombment of our Lord, with the four Evangelists and the instruments of the passion, printed in black ink. It corresponds somewhat to a portable altar. Also called the "Greek corporal." Antiphon, n.; Gr.; L.(1) Words or verses prefixed to and following a psalm or psalms containing thoughts on the mystery considered by the Church in the divine office. (2) In the Mass, the prayers of the Introit, Offertory, and Communion are called antiphons. Antiphonary, n.; Gr., L. Latin: Antiphonale Romanum. The book containing the antiphons of the breviary together with their musical notes, or those parts of the breviary which are sung in choir. Antiphoner, n.; Gr.; L. One who intones the antiphons when the breviary is sung in choir. Antipope, n.; Gr., L. A false, rival claimant to the Papacy. A pretender to the See of the Bishop or Rome. Antistes, n.; L. The title applied to a prelate or bishop in Church history and sometimes in prayers. Apocalypse, n.; Gr., L. The name applied to the last book of the New Testament written by St. John the Evangelist and containing his revelation concerning the future of the Church. Apocrisiarius, n.; Gr., L. The Papal emissary to the court of the emperor in Constantinople from the fourth to the ninth centuries. (Obs.) Apocrypha, n.pl.; Gr., L. (1) Spurious scriptural books denoted by the Fathers of the Church as forgeries of heretics. (2) Books declared by St. Jerome to be writings not in the recognized canon of Scripture. (3) Writings held by some to be inspired, but rejected by the Church. The Protestant Apocrypha differs from that of the Church. (Cf. Canon of Scripture.) Apodictic,adj.; Gr.,L. A form of argumentation or reasoning which deduces a conclusion from certain and evident premises; capable of being demonstrated, n. The study of the nature and basis of knowledge. Apollinananism, n.; Gr., L, The heretical doctrine taught by Apollinaris, bishop of Alexandria in the fourth century, denying the human intelligence of our Lord. It denied that Christ had a human rational soul but affirmed that He had a human sensitive soul, and that the Divine Word took the place of the rational soul. Therefore it denied the true humanity of Christ. Apologetics, n.,pl.; Gr. The science of defending and explaining the Christian religion and in particular Catholic doctrine. Apologist , n.; Gr. (1) A writer or speaker who defends Christianity and the Church from attacks by infidels and others. (2) An early Christian writer of the first four centuries who vindicated the faith against paganism. Apology, n.; Gr. A written or oral defense of the Church against attacks. Apostasy, n.; Gr., L, Defection from God through entire rejection of either one or more of the following after it had been previously accepted: (1) the Christian faith; (2) ecclesiastical obedience; (3) the religious or clerical state. Apostate, n.; Gr., L. One who possessed the Catholic faith and has rejected it entirely; also, one who apostasizes from Church obedience, or from the religious or clerical state. Apostle, n.; Gr., L. (1) One "sent" or "commissioned." Primarily one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, namely, Saints Peter, John, James the son of Zebedee, Matthew, Mark, Thomas, Philip, Bartholomew, James the son of Alpheus, Andrew, Simon the Cananean, Mathias, later chosen to replace Judas, and later St. Paul. (2) The name often given to the first missionary to a country. Apostles' Creed , n.; Gr., L. A prayer embodying the fundamental Christian teachings and a profession of belief in them; a liturgical prayer of the Catholic beliefs of faith. It is called Apostles' because it embodies a summary of Apostolic teachings. (Cf. Credo, Nicene Creed.) Apostolic Canons, n.pl.; G., L. Writings on ecclesiastical discipline supposed to have been dictated by the Apostles to St. Clement of Rome. Rejected as such by scholars because they could not have been written before the beginning of the third century. They are found appended to the Apostolic Constitutions. Apostolic Constitutions, n.pl.;Gr., L. Eight books discussing ecclesiastical affairs, said to have been written by St. Clement of Rome. Recognized as spurious by scholars. Apostolic Delegate, n.; Gr.; L. Papal representative sent to a country having no regular diplomatic relations with the Holy See. One having special delegated powers. Apostolic Fathers, n.pl.; Gr., L. Early Christian writers who wrote on doctrinal subjects and whose writings were not done later than the opening of the third century. Apostolicity, n.; Gr., L. That one of the four marks of the Catholic Church by which it stems from the Apostles in its doctrine, authority, and organization. Apparel, n.; L., O.Fr. A panel of embroidery stitched on the upper center part of the amice and on the cuffs and hem of the alb. Apparition, n.; L. The visible presence of a supernatural being; a vision in human form. Approbation , n.; L. Judgment by a prelate of a priest,declaring him qualified by authorizing him to exercise some sacred ministry. The grant of faculties by a bishop to an ordained cleric. Apse, n.; Gr., L. The sanctuary end of a church building, especially those of Romanesque or Gothic architecture; originally, the semicircular termination of the church, but later the shape became varied according to the general design of the building. In a basilica, that rounded or vaulted section in which are placed the bishop's throne and seats for the clergy, and in front of which the altar stands. Archangel, n.; Gr., L. One of the nine choirs of angels. Archbishop, n.; Gr., L. The bishop of an archdiocese who has limited authority over the other bishops of his province. As head of an ecclesiastical province the archbishop is called the metropolitan, the other bishops are called suffragans. The title archbishop is sometimes given honoris causa to the bishop of an archdiocese which has no suffragan sees. Archconfraternity, n.; Gr., L. An association of confraternities. A confraternity which has received from the Holy See the power to aggregate to itself other confraternities similar to it, and to share its privileges and indulgences with them. Also called Primary Union. (Cf. Confraternity.) Archdeacon, n.; Gr., L. In early days of the Church the deacon selected by the bishop to assist him in his work, now obsolete. The vicar-general today corresponds to this early office. Archdiocese, n.; Gr., L. A diocese or jurisdiction of an archbishop; usually it is the metropolitan see of an ecclesiastical province. (Cf. Archbishop.) Archiepiscopal (Cross), adj.; Gr., L. A cross with two cross bars, the upper one shorter than the other. It is carried before the archbishop in processions in his own province. Also called Patriarchal Cross. Archives, n.pl.; Gr., L. The repository of the official records of a diocese or other moral person in the Church; it contains all necessary accounts of ecclesiastical affairs pertaining to the diocese or other moral personality. Archivist, n.; Gr., L. One in charge of the archives. Archpriest, n.; Gr., (1) A dean; a head of a diocesan deanery. (2) In early times a special representative of a bishop. Arcosolium (ar-ko-soll-ium), n.; L. A decorated arch-shaped recess in the wall of the catacombs used as a burying place. Arianism , n. The heresy originated by Arius (d. 336) denying the consubstantiality of God the Son with God the Father, consequently a denial of the true and eternal Godhead of Christ. Aridity, n.; L. The lack of sensible devotion and of consolation in prayer. Ark, n.; L. (i) The boat built and used by Noe at the time of the deluge. (2) Ark of the covenant was the chest, carried by the Israelites in their wanderings, containing the Tablets of the Law.(3) Title of the Blessed Virgin because she is the instrument of the new covenant between God and man through Christ. Ascension (Feast of), n; L. The commemoration of our Lord's rising into heaven forty days after His Resurrection on Easter. It falls upon a Thursday. Ascension (of Christ), n. The rising into heaven of Christ from Mount Olivet forty days after His Resurrection; the ascension was in virtue of His being God and characteristic of a blessed spirit. Ascetical (theology), n.; Gr. The branch of the science of theology which treats of the rules of perfection; the systematized practice and theory of acquiring perfection. Ascetics, n.pl.; Gr. (1) The study embracing all of the theology of virtue and perfection and the means of gaining that perfection. (2) Those persons who apply the principles and teachings of ascetical theology; those using the practical means to acquire virtue and become perfect in order to achieve sanctity. Aseity,n.; L. A philosophical term applied to one existing independent of all else; a mode of existing of oneself. The prime distinguishing attribute of the divine substance. Ash Wednesday, n.; L., Ger., A.S. The first day of the Lenten fast. It derives its name from the custom of placing blessed ashes of burnt palms on the foreheads of the faithful in the form of a cross to remind them of death and the necessity of penance. Ashes (blessed), n. pl.; A.S. The burnt remains of palms which are blessed before the principal Mass of Ash Wednesday and placed on the forehead of each person to remind them of their last end and the necessity for penance; blessed ashes are a sacramental of the Church. Asperges , n.; Gr., L. (1) The ceremony of sprinkling the altar, clergy, and people with holy water, performed by the celebrant before the principal Mass. This is only permitted on Sundays. (2) The first word of the psalm verse recited by the celebrant and choir at this ceremony. Aspergill , n.; L. Latin: aspergillum. An instrument for sprinkling holy water; usually a rod with a perforated metal bulb at the end from which holy water is shaken. Aspersory, n.; L. Latin: aspersorium. A portable vessel to hold holy water and into which the aspergill is dipped. Aspiration, n.; L. A short prayer; an ejaculation. Assessor, n.; L, A consultant of a judge in an ecclesiastical court. Assistant, n.; L. (1) The priest aiding a parish priest; a curate. (2) One assisting the bishop in a pontifical function. (3) A newly ordained priest may have an assistant priest at his first Solemn Mass. (4) Assistant deacons, sometimes called chaplains, are those who assist the bishop at low Mass, walk at his side in procession, or sit beside him when, vested in cappa magna, he sits at the throne. Assumption, n.; L. The taking up of the body of the Blessed Virgin into heaven and she was thereby preserved from bodily corruption after her death. The feast is celebrated on the fifteenth of August and is a holyday of obligation. Atonement, n.; M.E. The reconciliation of man with God by Jesus Christ, the Son, through His sacrificial death on the Cross. The Redemption. Attention, n.; L. Advertence of the mind to what one is doing; required for prayer and for the lawful administering or receiving of the sacraments. Attributes (divine), n.pl.; L. Perfections which belong to the divine essence of God, which are of God's being, as divine intellect, divine will, and all things ascribed to this Being as one. Attrition , n.; L. An imperfect sorrow for sin, distinguished from contrition by the motive, which is the fear of God's punishments or the heinousness of sin. Its motive is supernatural because it arises from faith but is not based on unselfish love of God. Sufficient for the reception of the sacraments of Baptism (by an adult) and Penance. Audience (Papal), n.; L., Fr. A formal hearing or interview with the Pope. It may be (a) public, when those having a special card of admission from the Major Domo are admitted to the Hall of the Consistory where the Holy Father speaks to them and hears their petitions; or private, when the Holy Father grants a visit to an individual. Aureole, n.; L. (1) In art, the light or gold shading surrounding the figure depicted in a sacred picture. (2) In theology, a certain accidental reward over and above the essential bliss of heaven given to persons who achieve heaven with extraordinary degrees of merit. Austere , adj.; Gr., L. Rigorous; practicing mortification; strict in observance. Austerity, n.; Gr., L. Bodily mortification for spiritual advancement, such as a fast or other penance painful to the body. Avarice, n.; L. See Covetousness. Azyme, n.; Gr. The unleavened bread used by the Jews in their sacrifices; sometimes applied to the Eucharistic bread. Azymites, n.pl.; Gr. Term used by Greek Schismatics designating Christians of the Latin Church. |