A prayer said by Simeon on the occasion of the presentation of Jesus in the temple, beginning with "Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine" (Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord). It is one of the three "evangelical canticles." Included in the Roman Breviary for Compline daily throughout the year, it is recited on February 2, the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin or Candlemas, at the blessing of the candles, and forms the Tract in the Mass of the feast when the latter follows Septuagesima. The "Nunc Dimittis" is at once a petition, a prophecy, and a hymn of thanksgiving (Luke 2).
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
Read More