The Church is called a mystical body having Christ as its head. Saint Paul is the foremost exponent of this doctrine (1 Corinthians 6,12, 12-14,20, 27; Ephesians 4,11-13,15-16; Colossians 1,18, 24). It is chiefly this: Christ as the head of the Church exercises in a mystical, supernatural manner the same life-giving influence of the Church as the human head in the human organism. From Christ proceeds that supernatural life which unites the members among themselves and with Him. Growth, increase, both intensively (sanctity), and extensively (in numbers) depends on this vivifying union, which is fostered and preserved principally by the Holy Eucharist. Notwithstanding number and diversity of members, there is but one body.
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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