(Greek: pan, all; theos, god)
A building in Paris used as a monument to the great men of France. Originally it was a church dedicated to Sainte Genevieve, begun, 1764, designed in the classical style by Soufflot (1713-1780), and continued by Rondelet (1734-1829). During the Revolution the Convention converted it into a memorial temple and called it the Pantheon. It was rededicated to religious uses, 1806, but seized for secular purposes, 1830, during the July Revolution. It was returned to ecclesiastical use, 1851, only to be reassumed by the secular authorities, 1885, as a national monument.
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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