(Latin: caritas, love)
A supernatural, infused virtue, by which we love God above everything for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for God's sake. As an act of supernatural virtue it requires a motivation based on Divine revelation. Charity, in the strict sense of the word, cannot exist in a person who has never heard of revelation, though he may perform many works from the sole motive of pleasing God. Charity, unlike natural virtues, is not acquired through frequent repetition of the same acts, but is infused with sanctifying grace; hence it is sometimes used to signify this grace. It is a Divine name: God is charity (1 John 4:16). Almsgiving is called charity because it is one of its principal works. Today, outside of the Catholic Church, charity signifies any good turn done to the needy, regardless of the motive that prompted it.
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