A chant in honor of the Blessed Virgin, recited in the Divine Office at the conclusion of Complin and Lauds. It consists of hymn, versicle, response, and prayer. The four final antiphons now in use have had a place in the Roman Breviary since the 13th century, though they are of a much earlier composition and their use in monastic breviaries is older. These antiphons are: "Alma Redemptoris Mater," recited from Advent to the feast of the Purification; "Ave Regina Crelorum," from the feast of the Purification to Wednesday of Holy Week inclusively: "Regina Creli," recited during Eastertide; "Salve Regina," from Trinity Sunday to Advent.
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