Name applied, since the time of Origen (c.185-253), to a didactic commentary, without formal introduction, division, or conclusion, on some part of Sacred Scripture, the aim being to explain the literal, and evolve the spiritual, meaning of the text. Among the famous homilists are Origen, Saint Hilary, Saint Ambrose, Saint Chrysostum, Saint Augustine, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The oldest homily extant is the so-called Second Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. At present there are four methods of treating the homily:
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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