(Hebrew: Zepkania, the Lord protects)
One of the Minor Prophets who lived under King Josias near the end of the 7th century before Christ, a contemporary of Jeremias. He favored the king's reforms. His prophecy contaius three chapters on the evils that were to befall various nations, promising the coming of Christ, the conversion of the nations, and the final conversion of the Jews. The language of the prophecy is graphic; e.g., in speaking of Jerusalem: "Her princes are in the midst of her as roaring lions: her judges are evening wolves, they left nothing for the morning" (Sophonias 3:3). "Because then I will restore to the people a chosen lip, that all may call upon the name of the Lord, and may serve Him with one shoulder." (3:9)
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