Commonly observed in Catholic churches by a service of reparation for the misdeeds of the year passing, and of thanksgiving and joy on the opening of the new year. The Psalm "Miserere" and the hymn "Te Deum" are chanted, and the sermon is followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It was introduced into the United States at Saint Francis Xavier's Church, New York, in 1883.
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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