(Greek: katholikos, universal)
The term, in its primitive and non-ecclesiastical sense of universal, occurs in the Greek classics, and was freely used by the earlier Christian writers. The combination, "the Catholic Church," is found for the first time in the Letter of Saint Ignatius to the Smyrneans, written about the year 110. The words run:
"Wheresoever the bishop shall appear, there let the people be, even as where Jesus may be, there is the universal (catholic) Church."
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