(Latin: familia, household)
The basic society of husband, wife, and children; by extension used for all of the same kin. Man's nature and God's appointment (Genesis 1,3) make family life normal and necessary. Man and woman are complementary, and enjoy life in its fulness only by combining their physical, spiritual, moral, social, and economic capacities. The family ordinarily is for the procreation and proper rearing of children, thus perpetuating the human race. The perfect example of family life is the Holy Family. Attacks on family life, in its permanence (divorce), its purpose (birth control), its solidarity (recreation, work, and other interests inconsistent with home life), are sure methods, in logic and in practise, of injuring both Church and State.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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