(1609-1674) Cardinal, liturgist, born Moncovi, Italy; died Rome, Italy. Having entered the Cistercian monastery at Pignerola, and labored at Turin, Asti, and Mondovi, he was called to Rome (1651) to preside over the whole Cistercian congregation. Pope Alexander VII, his intimate friend, appointed him consultor to the Congregation of the Index and to the Holy Office, and in 1669 he was created cardinal. Besides writing many ascetical works of which the most popular is "A Guide to Eternity" (1658; English translation, 1900), he is famous as the author of "De Rebus Liturgicis" (1671), a veritable liturgical encyclopedia, treating all subjects concerning the Mass such as rites, churches, vestments.
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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