(1867-1923) Ecclesiastic and political martyr, born Lithuania, Russia; died Moscow. Vicar of Saint Catherine's church in Saint Petersburg (Leningrad), he headed every religious and philanthropic undertaking of the Catholic Poles. In opposition to socialistic anti-religious teachings, he founded the Christian Democratic movement. During the World War, he was president of the Polish Relief Commission. In 1918 he was created monsignor, and made dean of Mohileff with jurisdiction over the churches of northern Russia. He was seized by the Bolshevists, 1923. At a farcical trial in Moscow, he was charged with counter-revolutionary activities for having resisted Soviet decrees which forbade religious instruction, ordered the signing over of the churches to the government, and the surrender of sacred vessels. He was condemned to death, and in spite of protests sent by practically every civilized nation he was executed.
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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