Association of secular priests who observe a rule embodying the common duties of their state, afford mutual assistance in the functions of the ministry, and keep themselves in the spirit of their vocation by spiritual conferences. It had its origin in the association of secular clergy founded in Bavaria in the 11th century by Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser, was revived and reorganized in France in the 19th century by Canon Lebeurier, and was established by papal brief, 1862. There are diocesan associations in France, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, United States, Canada, South America, Australia, and parts of Asia. The Union had the special commendation of Pope Pius X, who was a member of it. Its official organ is Etudes Ecclesiastiques.
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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