(Greek: engraving instrument)
The mark or trait by which the personality of one person is distinguished from that of another. The word is used to express the spiritual and indelible sign imprinted on the soul by the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. The sacramental character marks the soul as distinct from those who have it not; as obliged to perform certain duties; as conformed to the image of God; as disposed for God's grace. Baptism marks the soul as a subject of Christ and His Church; Confirmation as a warrior of the Church militant; Holy Orders as a minister of its Divine worship.
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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