Pieces of metal resembling coins, blessed by the Church and used to increase devotion, to commemorate some religious event, to protect the wearer, or to serve as badges of pious societies. Some bring indulgences to the user. Their use among Christians is very ancient; many have been found in the catacombs, often marked with the Chi-Rho, the Greek monogram which is an abbreviation of the name of Christ. In the Middle Ages, when pilgrimages were made to famous shrines, medals or "tokens" were often given to the pilgrims; and c.1475medals were made commemorating papal jubilees. Many kinds are now in use:
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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