(Latin: claudere, to enclose) Ecclesiastically cloister means an enclosure for religious retirement; formally, it signifies the legal restrictions opposed to the free egress of those who are enclosed, and to the free entry of outsiders within the limits of the material enclosure. Present canon law requires every convent or monastery of regulars, on its completion, to be encloistered. The houses where only two or three religious dwell permanently and observe their rule as they can, are subject to this law.
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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