Independent republic occupying the southwestern part of South America; area, 290,084 square miles. Missionary work among the Araucanian (Mapuche) Indians was undertaken at the end of the 16th century by the Jesuits who were expelled, 1168, but readmitted, 1843. The state confiscated Church property, 1824, and fixed a salary for the clergy; in 1884,/a> civilmarriage was introduced. Catholicism was the official religion of the country until 1925 when Church and State were separated.
Archdioceses, past and present, include
Dioceses, past and present, include:
Other ecclesiastical divisions include:
See also:
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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