Lists which contain the names of the dead whose souls are to be prayed for. These lists were kept principally by religious, orders, monasteries, and cathedral chapters. They contained the names not only of the deceased brethren, but also of the servants and the benefactors. The lists were frequently made up in book-form, though sometimes they were to be found on the margins of martyrologies. At one time the names were read out at the Mass, but later the custom arose of reading them in the chapter. These medieval necrologies form an important source both for history and philology. The following year books now contain such lists: "Annuaire Pontifical Catholique," "The Catholic Directory for the United States," "Catholic Directory of England and Wales," "Australian Catholic Directory," "Irish Catholic Directory," "The Catholic Directory for the Clergy and Laity in Scotland," "Catholic Directory of India."
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