(Southwell) (1598-1676) Bibliographer, born Norfolk, England; died Rome. Ordained, 1622, he entered the Society of Jesus two years later, and became procurator and minister of the English College at Rome. Upon his retirement from the office of secretary to the general of the society, which he filled, 1647-1668, he commenced his important Bibliotheca Scriptorum Societatis Jesu, published, 1676. Based on the earlier works of Father Ribadeneira and Father Alegambe, it is a work of accurate research, marked by tolerant judgment and careful style.
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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