Founded July 18, 1695, by Innocent XII as the Congregation for the Discipline and Reformation of Regulars, to replace the Congregation of the State of Regulars. Its work consisted chiefly in designating in Italy and the adjacent islands monasteries or convents of men as novitiates or houses of study, granting permission for the admission of novices, seeing to the observance of a perfect community life, and dispensing from rules in regard to the internal discipline of a religious house. Regarding the regulars in other parts of the world, its duty was to offer the pope suggestions for the promotion of regular discipline. It had its own cardinal-prefect until Pius IX, March 12, 1856, placed it under the cardinal-prefect of the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars. Pius X, May 26, 1906, suppressed it, transferring its power to the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars.
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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