Islands in the Pacific Ocean, southeast of Asia, between 60 north and 110 south latitude and 950,1410 east longitude. They are a colony of the Netherlands, consisting of land under direct government and subject native states; area, 733,642 square miles. As early as the 16th century Catholicism was introduced into Java by the Portuguese, but after the Dutch conquest in 1596 Catholic missionaries were expelled. Priests were forbidden to enter the colony until early in the 19th century when, during the reign of Louis Bonaparte, missionaries returned under protection of the Dutch government. At present liberty is granted to all religions; the majority of the natives are Mohammedans.
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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