Written or printed paper containing an authoritative record or statement of any kind, usually a source of evidence or information on a particular subject; or anything bearing a legible or significant inscription or legend. It is called authentic if its contents are invested with special authority; genuine if it really emanates from the author. Ecclesiastical documents are attested or witnessed by the chancellor, or clerk of court, or prothonotary apostolic. In order to be valid, they require essential formalities as dates, signatures, qualifications of persons, accurate names of witnesses, etc. The beginning of written documents is at the end of the time of the Judges, for the people at that time were generally acquainted with the art of writing, reading, and were settled in prosperity.
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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