Official pontifical board founded, 1851, by Pius IX, for the purpose of promoting and directing excavations in the Roman catacombs and other sites of Christian antiquarian interest. It has made extensive excavations in the catacombs and other parts of Rome, and formed the Museum of Catacomb Inscriptions in the Lateran Palace.
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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