(1) Motion of reverence by bowing or lifting the hat when meeting a priest, and when passing a church, because it is the House of God and, as a rule, the sanctuary of the Blessed Sacrament. It is common also in the Liturgy, as when at Mass the priest salutes the congregation with "Dominus vobiscum" (The Lord be with you) or "Orate, fratres" (Brethren, pray).
(2) Characteristic opening of the Epistles of the Apostles, wishing those addressed "Grace and the peace of God," and also of the letters of popes and bishops.
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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