Bible Encyclopedias
Ecclesiasticae Res

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(1) The. term is used, in a wide sense, to denote all matters belonging, to the Church, as opposed to things secular or worldly. It also indicates the Priestly office and duties. It is likewise used in reference to "spiritual" things, immaterial or material. To the former class belong the invisible gifts and graces bestowed by God upon the soul; to the latter, the outward acts or objects connected with such gifts, as the sacraments: and other religious rites. From this it is sometimes applied to the vestments of ministers, as well as to the beneficent institutions over which the Church has jurisdiction.

(2) The narrower sense of the term designates the property of the Church.