(Latin: ex, out of; stare stand)
Is that by which a thing is actually costituted in the physical order, ie., in the order of actuality as distinct from the order of mere possibility. It corresponds to the concept of being taken in the participial sense of the term. Existence has been called the actuality of essences, namely that by which a being has its place in the order of actuality, as distinet from the metaphysical order or order of essences. So simple a concept does not admit of strict definition or even of explanation in term simpler than itself. We arrive at the idea of existence first from our own internal experience by which we perceive ourselves and our own subjective states to be actualities. The etymological derivation of the term is illuminating provided we restrict the application of it in this root sense to the order of finite, produced reality. For, an efficient course or agent, before it actually produces an effect, virtually contains that effect, ie., has the power to produce the effect not yet existing; but when it has exercised that power, then the effect produced is rightly said to stand (or be constituted) outside its cause.
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
Read More