A modern term describing a practise of the ancient Church, by which knowledge of the more intimate mysteries of the Christian religion, such as the Trinity and the doctrine of some of the Sacraments, were kept from the heathen and, at least in the earlier stages of their instruction, from catechumens. It was a custom intended to shield the doctrines and mysteries of Christianity from ridicule or misconception.
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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