TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC DICTIONARY ONLINE

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B

Baianism, n.; L., Fr. Erroneous teaching begun by Michael du Bay, known as Baius (1513-1589), who was a professor at Louvain University during the middle of the sixteenth century. By his interpretations Baius rejected the doctrine of original sin, grace, and declared man free of responsibility for personal sin since, he said,man acts, by concupiscence, independently of his will. Baius recanted his errors but he had contributed to the Protestant revolt.

Baldacchinum, n.; It. Also Baldacchino. (1) A canopy suspended over the main altar and its footpace from the roof or extending from the wall. It is calleda ciborium when it is a domelike canopy resting on pillars. (Cf. Canopy, ciborium magnum.) (2) The name applied to the canopy of cloth carried above the priest by means of four poles when the Blessed Sacrament is borne in procession. (3) The small canopy over an episcopal throne.

Baldaquin, n.; It., Fr. A canopy; a baldacchinum.

Balm, n.; Gr., L. The fragrant secretion of certain trees or plants which when mixed with olive oil forms chrism.

Bandeau, n.; pl. deaux, Fr. A circlet of cloth worn about the forehead to which a veil is attached, which forms the head dress of some nuns,

Banner, n.; L. A cloth upon which religious objects or mottoes are pictured. They are not attached to a single staff as a flag, rather the cloth hangs from a cross-bar which, together with the staff, forms a cross. Banners are borne in processions or displayed before religious groups or in a church.

Banns, n.pl.; L. (1) The public proclamation of an intended marriage by which all are informed that they must make known to the competent authorities any impediments which would prevent the ecclesiastical officials from permitting the marriage to take place. The banns must be announced in the parish churches of the contracting parties at the principal Mass on three successive Sundays or Holydays of obligation. If the marriage does not take place within six months of the final announcement, the banns must be again announced. (2) A pronouncement to determine if impediments exist made in the home parish of a man before being granted the privilege of receiving subdeaconshtp.

Baptism, n.; Gr., L, (1) A sacrament instituted by Christ by which through the infusion of grace original sin is taken away, and administered by the pouring of water on the head and saying: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," and by which act one enters into the Church of Christ. There are three means of Baptism for gaining salvation: (a) Baptism of water which is performed by the act of pouring water. (b) Baptism of desire is the act of perfect love of God which suffices for adults in good faith if the formal baptism with water is impossible. (c) Baptism of blood, i.e.,martyrdom which also forgives the effects of sin and remits the temporal penalties of sin.
Baptism is a necessary sacrament. It remits all sins — original and actual, may be given to all human beings, is ordinarily performed by a priest but in a case of necessity may be given by any person who has attained the use of reason. The matter of the sacrament is the washing with water; the form is the words "I baptize thee, etc."(2) Ceremonies of blessing church bells or ships were formerly called "baptisms."

Baptismal Name, ad].; Gr., L. A name given to the person baptized, signifying he has become a new creature in Christ. It is prescribed that this be the name of a saint.

Baptismal Robe, n.; Gr., L. In the early Church the white garment worn by those to be baptized; it is now commemorated in the white linen cloth laid on the head of the infant being baptized.

Baptismal Water, n.; Gr., L. Water blessed on Holy Saturday and the vigil of Pentecost in the baptismal font by the priest and into which oil of catechumens and chrism is poured. This water must be used in administering solemn Baptism.

Baptistery, n.; Gr., L. A small separate building or part of the church containing the font and set apart as the place for the administration of Baptism.

Barbette, n.; Fr. The cloth head covering extending to the neck, the sides of the head and under the chin, worn by sisters or nuns of certain religious orders.

Baruch, n.; Heb.; Bib. A prophetical book of the Old Testament named after its author,

Basilica, n.; Gr. A consecrated church usually built with the front facing east, generally constructed in one of the historic styles of architecture. The form is oblong in shape, with the length forming the nave at one end of which is the apse. It is now required that basilicas in order to be so tided contain some work of art. The major basilicas have an altar for the Pope, which no one else may use without his permission. There are thirteen basilicas in "Rome, five major and eight minor.

B.C., abbre. Abbreviation for the words "before Christ" meaning the years before the Incarnation of the Son of God from which event the present calendar is now reckoned.

Beads, n.pl; A.S. Colloq: The Rosary. Any form of beads on a chain or string to aid one in counting a repeated number of prayers.

Beatific (vision), adj.; L. The act of seeing God face to face which forms the essential happiness of angels and men in heaven. This "seeing of God" is through direct knowledge whereas the knowledge of God on earth is merely by reflection through created things and revealed images.

Beatification, n,; L. The declaration made by the Church after due process of determining the sanctity of a deceased person; the process necessary to the declaration by the Church that one may be publicly venerated; a preliminary action to actual canonization. It bestows the title of "blessed" on the one beatified.

Beatitude , n.; L. That happiness" or bliss which creatures find in the vision and love of God alone.

Beatitudes (the eight), n.pl.; L. The eight blessings spoken by our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 5:3-10.) They are:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;
blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth;
blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted ;
blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied;
blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy;
blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God;
blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God;
blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Beatus, n.; L. The title applied to one who has been beatified; also applied to canonized saints; a soul who has reached heaven. Literally, "blessed one."

Bedesman, n.; A.S. Also beadsman. One who prays for the soul of another or one charged with this duty. Also the one for whom one should pray. (Obs.)

Beelzebub, n.; Heb., Gr. Satan. The name applied to the "prince of devils" in the New Testament.

Belief, n.; L., A.S. The acceptance by the mind of Catholic teaching, because it comes from divine revelation; a single truth of Christian doctrine.

Bell, n.; A.S. A hollow metallic vessel which emits a ringing sound upon being struck. The large church bell is usually kept in the church tower and is used to sound the Angelus or to call the faithful to divine service. A smaller A type of hand bell also has used in the sanctuary place in the sanctuary where it is sounded during the Mass at the Sanctus, elevation, and when the priest spreads his hands over the host and chalice before the consecration and at the Domine, non sum dignus before the priest's communion.

Benedicite , L. imperative pl. The Latin word meaning "bless ye," used as a greeting in monasteries.

Benediction (of the Blessed Sacrament), n.; L. The service during which the Sacred Host is adored while it is exposed in the Monstrance or enclosed in the Ciborium. During the service the hymn 0 Salutaris Hostia or some other hymn is sung and the consecrated Host is incensed; a litany and other prayers may follow; finally the Tantum ergo with its prayer is sung and the blessing given with the Blessed Sacrament. The act of Benediction is the blessing of the people with the Sacred Host in the form of a cross by the priest. The Host is then removed from the monstrance and replaced in the tabernacle.

Benedictional n. ; L. Latin: Benedictionale. A book containing the forms of blessing which are contained in the Rituale, Pontificale, and Missale Romanum.

Benedictus, n.; L. The canticle of Zachary recited daily in the holy office. It is found in Luke 1:68-79.

Benefice, n.; L. A perpetual right granted by competent church authority to an ecclesiastic consisting of a sacred office and the right to receive the revenue which accrues from that office's endowment.

Beneficiary, n.; L. (1) One who holds a benefice, (2) A cleric who aids the members of a chapter in their choral duties in a cathedral or collegiate church.

Benemerente (medal), n.; It. An honorary decoration given in recognition of outstanding military or civil services. It was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI and may be merited by either men or women. Pl.: benemerenti.

Benignity , n.; L. Kindness; one of the twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost.

Berrettino, n.; It. Literally a "little biretta." Name applied to the zuchetto. (Cf. Zuchetto, Solideo.)

Betrothal, n.; L., O.E. Formal engagement to marry; the espousal or promise to marry which is valid between Catholics and is canonically binding when made in writing signed by the parties, the parish priest or local ordinary, or by at least two witnesses.

Bible, n.; Gr. Sacred Scriptures which have been pronounced authentic by the infallible authority of the Church. The writings are both of Jewish and Christian origin.
The Bible records the revelation of God to man. There are 73 books contained in the Bible; 46 in the Old Testament; 27 in the New Testament. The name is taken from the Greek and literally means "the Book."

Bigamy , n.; Gr., L. In canon law that irregularity of marriage in which one of the contracting parties goes through the ceremonies of marriage while being validly married to a third party still living. In regard to holy orders bigamy is that irregularity which arises from the fact that a man has contracted two or more valid marriages successively.

Bilocation, n.; L. The act of being in two places at one time; used in reference to the presence of Christ in heaven and in the Blessed Sacrament. Also refers to saints who have appeared in two places simultaneously.

Bination, n.; L. Sometimes called duplication. The celebration of a second Mass on the same day by the same priest by permission of ecclesiastical authority.

Biretta, n.; L., It. Also berretta. A square cap of cloth with three or four leaves or projecting corners rising from the top. In the center of the crown there is a pom-pom or tassel. It is worn by priests or other clerics, and is found in the following colors: navy blue, black, red, or purple.

Biritualism, n.; L. The use, in case of necessity, by a priest belonging to the Latin rite of a rite other than his own. This is the practice of missionaries of the Latin rite who work among the Eastern Churches and use an Eastern rite or that of the people among whom they work.

Bishop, n.; Gr., L. A member of the hierarchy of the Church. An ecclesiastic who has received the highest of the sacred orders and who has jurisdiction over a diocese; the ordinary, (1) Auxiliary—one raised to the dignity of the hierarchy and named a titular bishop and placed as an assistant to another ruling bishop. He does not enjoy jurisdiction by reason of his consecration, but receives it from the bishop whom he assists in the duties of the episcopal office. (2) Coadjutor—one raised to the dignity of a bishop and given jurisdiction in part to govern the diocese of a bishop who is partly incapacitated. He usually has the right of succession. (3) An Administrator—a bishop given complete jurisdiction to govern the diocese of a bishop who is wholly incapacitated. (4) Suffragan—a diocesan bishop in an ecclesiastical province of a metropolitan who is subject to an archbishop. (5) Titular—one consecrated to a diocese or see which existed at one time but which now, because the faith has died out in that place, no longer exists.

Blasphemy , n.; Gr., L. Any word or act insulting to God or to holy things. It is a sin against religion and may be aimed directly at God, or indirectly by contempt for His Church, His saints, or sacred persons or things.

Blessed, n.; A.S. One who has been beatified; a soul enjoying the happiness of heaven. (Cf.Beatus.)

Blessing, n.; A.S. A prayer asking God's favor upon a person or thing. The person giving the blessing acts in God's name. Besides the blessing of persons, any place or thing used for the good of man may be blessed. A Blessing does not permanently set aside the object blessed for religious purposes as does a consecration. An item loses it blessing only when it is sold or it is totally destroyed by burning or some other method. The official blessings of the Church which can be administered by a priest are contained in the Rituale Romanum.

Boat, n.; A.S. The boat-shaped dish or vessel which holds the raw incense to be burned in the censer.

Books of Wisdom, n.pl; Bib. Five books of the Old Testament, namely Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Wisdom, and Ecclesiasticus. The sapiential books.

Bow, n.; A.S. An inclination of the head or a bending of the body in respect or reverence. There are four kinds of bows used in the ceremonies of the Church: (a) a deep bow of the body; (b) a moderate bow of the body; (c) a deep bow of the head only; (d) a slight bow of the head.

Brandea, n.pl.; L. Objects which have been touched to genuine relics or the remains of a saint; originally pieces of cloth lowered into the shrine or crypt of a saint.

Brasses, n.pl.; L., A.S. Brass mountings used in decoration or for inscriptions on tombs or sepulchers where burial took place in church. (Obs.)

Bread , n.; L., A.S. Unleavened bread of wheat used as one of the elements of the Sacrifice of the Mass.

Breviarium (Breviary), n.; L. The collection of prescribed prayers and readings contained in the divine office recited by those in major orders. It is a solemn formula of public prayer composed of psalms, lessons from the Old and New Testaments, passages from doctrinal writings and the lives of the saints, hymns, and special prayers. It is divided into four parts corresponding to the seasons of the year. Each day has as its office eight parts called "hours," namely, Matins, Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline.

Brief, n.; L. Also breve. A papal letter of the court of Rome signed by the Pope's secretary of briefs and sealed with the Pope's signet ring, called the fisherman's ring. (Cf. Bull.)

Brothers , n.pl.; A.S. Members of a male religious community who have not taken Holy Orders or who do not aspire to Holy Orders but live a religious community life and devote themselves to various works of a religious nature.

Bugia (boo-jee-ah), n.; L., It. A candle stick with a short handle; it is held by the chief assistant at the Mass of a bishop when the bishop is before the Missal for the reading of the epistle or Gospel. The use of the bugia is conceded to abbots and to certain other prelates More recently referred to simply a; the "hand candle." Also called palmatoria or scotula.

Bull, n.; L. An official papal document or writing receiving it; name from the lead or gold seal called the bulla, bearing a representation of SS. Peter and Paul and the name of the reigning pontiff. Bulls are of strong parchment and are signed by the Pope and the chief members of the papal chancery. The bull is more formal than the brief and is used for non weighty pronouncements of the papal chancery. Today they are used only for very important and solemn occasions. Sometimes called a bulla.

Bullarium, n,; L The name applied to a collection of papal bulls.

Bursar, n.; L., Fr. The person who serves as treasurer of a religious community.

Burse, n.; L., Fr. Also bursa or pera. (1) The square case which the corporal used in Mass is carried. It is of the same color as the vestments. (2) The leather packet in which the pyx is carried. (3) An endowment given to an ecclesiastical institution for the support and education of one studying for the priesthood.

Buskins, n.pl.; L., O.Fr. The ceremonial silk stockings worn over his purple stockings by a bishop at pontifical Mass.

Bussolanti, n. pl.; It. The lay chamberlains on guard in the anterooms which lead to the Pope's apartments in the Lateran Palace. They dress in red breeches, short cape, and silk stockings. They have the honor of carrying the Pope on the sedia gestatoria, and these are called sediari when performing this duty, and wear red capes over their uniforms. (Cf. Sediari.)

B.V.M., abbre. The Blessed Virgin Mary.

Byzantine Rite, (n.), adj.; L. The celebrating of Mass, the administering of the Sacraments, and the performing of other liturgical functions after the manner now used by the Orthodox Eastern Church. Its ordinary language is Greek, but it is used in several other languages.

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