That process in the soul of a sinner by which he is transferred from the state of enmity with God to the friendship of God. As an act it is the gratuitous work of God alone; but in the adult cooperation, moral preparation, e.g., faith, contrition, etc., is required. As a habit it is the continued possession of sanctlfying grace. The removal of sin and the infusion of grace constitute one and the same act. Removal of original sin by Baptism is called first justification; forgiveness, in the Sacrament of Penance, of mortal sin committed after Baptism, is called second justification. By an act of Perfect contrition man can be justified before actual reception, but not without the desire, of the Sacrament.
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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