(1797-1869) Statesman; born Altstätten, Switzerland; died Saint Gall. As chief magistrate of Saint Gall he labored to reorganize the Swiss confederation somewhat on the lines of the United States. Influenced by Josephinism, he first advocated state control of the Church, but the plundering of the monasteries in 1841 by his political associates changed his views and he came over to the policy of his former opponents. Through his efforts was erected the See of Saint Gall. Retiring from politics in 1864 he devoted himself to local history and wrote a work on Saint Gall.
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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