Instituted by Judas Machabæus (64 B.C.) to be celebrated yearly in all synagogues the 25th day of the month Casleu and during its octave, in commemoration of the purification of the Temple of Jerusalem, which had been polluted by Antiochus Epiphanes on that day three years previously (1Macabees 4). It was observed with great joy, without mourning or fasting. It was on this feast that the Jews threatened to stone Our Lord (John 10).
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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