(Latin: castigare, to chastise)
So called because its exercise is the chastising of the flesh and its special concupiscence. It belongs properly to all Christians. To be saved one must subject the flesh to the spirit, and consequently that strongest of the desires which war against the soul. All spiritual writers agree that chastity is a special gift of God, always obtainable, but only by prayer and mortification. In religion the matter of the vow is conterminous with that of the virtue in its highest degree, so that lightness of matter cannot excuse from mortal sin the least delight deliberately sought or admitted.
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