The free gift of God establishing the soul in the way of justification and holiness. Its intimate nature is beyond mere human analysis, but judging by its effects, we are justified in regarding it as a physical adornment of the soul, permanent in its essence, incompatible with grievous sin, recreating the soul as a new nature competent to act supernaturally and meritoriously. It is habitual grace regarded under one aspect - the real interior sanctification which enriches the soul and makes it permanently holy in the sight of God.
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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