Pontifical decorations instituted by Gregory XVI, 1832, and awarded as a recognition of distinguished military and civilservices. The military medal bears on one side the image of Gregory XVI and on the other an angel bearing a scroll with the word Benemerenti beneath the papal emblems. The civilmedal has Benemerenti surrounded by a crown of oak leaves engraved on its face surface. They are worn on the breast, suspended by ribbons of the papal colors.
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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