Ecclesiastical, episcopal documents written by the bishop either to all the members of his diocese or to the clergy only. The purpose is to maintain the proper discipline and administration in the diocese. Pastoral letters are classified accordingly as they are issued by the bishop or from a synod. To have legal force pastoral letters must be published according to the ordinary custom and manner.
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