Capital of Netherlands, originally a fortress, built 1204. Passing to the Counts of Holland, it was raised to the rank of a city, 1301; after the fall of Antwerp in 1585 it became the center of the world's trade. In spite of the uprising of the Anabaptists, 1535, destruction of holy images, 1566, and Utrecht Union, 1575, the cruelties of the Reformation were modified here through recognition of the need of not antagonizing the traders of Catholic countries. In 1660 all public exercise of the Catholic religion was forbidden, and in 1708 all religious houses were closed. Under Napoleon Amsterdam became capital of the Kingdom of Holland, and Catholicity was recognized by the Constitution of 1843. It became a deanery subject to the Diocese of Haarlem in 1853. The chief church is called the "Holy Room."
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
Read More