The consciousness of oneness among a people based on a common heritage of traditions and customs, and often also of language. In its aspirations it centers around national unity and independence. In these latter times it has, in its spirit, degenerated into jingoism and chauvinism. As such it is characterized by emotional appeals to a glorious past, a belligerent attitude in foreign relations, a contemptuous disdain of foreigners, a heartless disregard of the rights of minorities, and an arrogant assertion of leadership in the family of nations. Deifying the nation, it does not recognize the sovereignty of principles of justice. Nationalism has been called "the great heresy of our times" (Pope Pius XI).
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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