Variously conceived and defined. One extreme regards beauty as an independent quality inherent in things; the other extreme, as entirely of the perceiving mind. The middle course includes both objective and subjective elements and a mutual correspondence. The beautiful is that which gives pleasure by its mere perception, involving an activity of sense, imagination, and intellect aroused by objective qualities variously assigned. "Order" is the conceded fundamental quality implying others proposed. Requisites of beauty are: integrity, harmony, and a clarity impressing without effort of the beholder. There is a spiritual beauty as well as that which is perceived in material objects. One form of it consists in the ideals which these latter suggest. Its principal form is found in the lives of good people, whose cnaracters shine forth in their features, manner, and carriage. The beauty of the ceremonies of the Catholic Church are attuned to the noblest aspirations of the soul, elevating it to the contemplation and love of God.
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