(1691-1781) Bishop of Debra, vicar Apostolic of the London district, born Lewes, England; died London. Born of Protestant parents, he was received into the Catholic Church at the age of 13, and educated at Douai, where he was later professor and vice-president. In 1730 he entered with zeal into the work of the mission at London, which involved many hardships. In 1741 he was consecrated bishop, and in 1758 became vicar Apostolic. As administrator he founded schools, instituted conferences among the London clergy, and aided the relief of the poor and aged. He was forced by the laws of England to spend his life in hiding, and with difficulty escaped Protestant informers. He wrote many religious books, among them the well-known meditations "Think Well On't," the "Garden of the Soul," a favorite book of devotion, "Meditations for Every Day in the Year," and "Memoirs of Missionary Priests." He also prepared a revised edition of the Douay Bible and Rheims New Testament, which is, practically speaking, the version of the Bible used by all English-speaking Catholics today.
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