A pontifical order of knighthood founded by Pope Gregory XVI, September 1, 1831, as a decoration for meritorious services of subjects of the States of the Church, under the patronage of Saint Gregory I. It has both a civiland a military division. Membership in the Order is not now confined to any country, or to Catholics, but is a reward for any meritorious public service which benefits religion and the Holy See.
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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