(Greek: presbyteros, elder, presbyter)
A sacred minister who, by the sacrament of Orders, receives power to offer the Eucharistic sacrifice, to administer the sacraments, to preach, and to bless. In the exercise of his office he is dependent on his ecclesiastical superior, from whom he receives jurisdiction to forgive sins and to take care of souls. It is of faith that the priesthood was instituted by Christ; also that it is a sacrament impressing an indelible character on the soul.
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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