This congregation, so called from the Index or catalog of forbidden books, was created by Pope Pius V in 1571. Pope Benedict XV suppressed it on March 25, 1917, its duties being left entirely to the Holy Office. The Congregation of the Index consisted of a number of cardinals, one of whom was its prefect. The Master of the Sacred Palace (a Dominican) was ex officio its assistant, and another Dominican its secretary. There was also a college of consultors whose office was to deliver written opinions on the books submitted to their judgment by the congregation. The congregation censured and condemned books which it considered dangerous to faith or morals. It could grant permission for the reading of a condemned book, or for the publication of corrected editions. The congregation was also charged with the work of seeking out pernicious publications, and, after mature examination, of condemning and proscrlbrng them.
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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