Demystification of Theological Terms Via Etymolgy

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Demystification of
Theological
Terms
Via Etymology
DICTIONARY INCLUSIVE
Revised
Standard version
Over 400 Terminologies
NWEZE, TOCHUKWU OBUMNEME PAUL MARY

Abba(Aramaic). Father
Abbacy. Office of an abbot
Abbey. Building occupied by monks/cloister nuns under an abbot/abbess. See Priory
Abdicate(Latin. abdicare). To renounce
Abortion(Latin. aboriri). Miscarry (the direct and deliberate willed ejection of the living immature
foetus from the womb any time after conception by whatever means that is used)
Aberation.(Latin. aberrare). To go astray (departure from the normal or desirable)
Ab initio(Latin). from the beginning
Ablution(Latin. abluere). Wash clean (the ritual cleansing of a priest’s hand or body or of sacred
vessels during a religious ceremony)
Abolish(Latin. abolere). Destroy (to put an end to something such as a law)
Abomination(Latin. abominari). Shun something as been a bad omen (something that is extremely
immoral, disgusting or shameful)
Abrogate(Latin. abrogare). Repeal a law (end an agreement or contract formally)
Abscond(Latin. abscondere). To hide or put away (run away)
Absolution(Latin. absolutus). Acquittal or perfection (a spoken blessing from a priest for the
forgiveness of somebody’s sin)
Abstinence(Latin. abstinere). Hold yourself away (refrain from something)
Abyss(Gk. abussos). Bottomless (hell thought of as a bottomless pit)
Acolyte(Gk. akolouthos). Follower (one instituted to serve at the altar and to assist the priest and/or
deacon)
A.D. Anno Domini (Latin). In the Year of the Lord see B.C.
Ad hoc(Latin). To this (setup in response to a specific and short-term problem)
Ad verbum(Latin). In accordance with the word (word by word)
Advent(Latin. adventus). Arrival (four weeks of preparation preceding the feast of the Nativity
[Christmas],begins from the First Sunday of Advent and ends on the Vigil of Christmas Day)
Advocate(Latin. advocare). Call to (a person approved by ecclesial authority who safeguards the
rights of a party in canonical process by arguments, reading of the law and the facts) see
Procurator
Affinity(Latin. affinis). Bordering on something (this is a relationship that joins two validly
married Catholic couples to the blood relatives of the other. An impediment of affinity
invalidates marriage in all degrees of the direct line [a man and his late wife’s sister or even her
daughter etc] though all degrees of the Collateral line [sister-in-law and brother-in-law etc] are
excluded from the impediment) see Consanguinity
Agape(Greek). Brotherly love or charity (the love God has for men and the selfless love men
should show towards their neighbour) see Charity

Agnosticism(Gk. a + gnosis). No knowledge (belief that it is impossible to prove God’s existence)
Alabaster(Derived from a stone found near Alabastron in Egypt from which the jar is produced).
Unique jars which may sometimes be used to hold precious perfumes of Myrrh and Aloes
Alb(Latin. albus). White (long white robe with long sleeves worn by the clergy)
Albigenses(Named after the City of Albi in Southern France). Heretical religious sect originated
from Albi, believed everything in the material world is evil
Alleluia(Greek). Praise the Lord. See Hallelujah
Alma Mater(Latin). nourishing mother (one’s old school)
Alumnus(Latin). nursling (former pupil)
Altar(Latin. altare). Burnt offering (raised religious structure where bread and wine for
communion are consecrated)
am ante meridiem(Latin). before midday. See pm
Ambo(Gk. ambon). Raised edge (a special lectern resembling that of the early Christian church
used exclusively by clerics and is usually stationary) see Lectern
Amen(Hebrew). So be it
Anamnesis(Greek). Remembrance
Anathema(Greek). Something devoted to evil (a curse from a religious authority that denounces or
excommunicates somebody) see Harem
Anchorite(Gk. anakhorein). Withdraw. same as Hermit
AntiChrist(Gk. antikhristos). Against the anointed (an antagonist of Jesus Christ, who spreads evil
throughout the world but is to be overcome by the second coming of Christ)
Anti-Semitism(Latin. anti + semita). Against Jews (Behavior discriminating against Jews)
Annulment(Latin. annullare). To make into nothing (to decree issued by a competent Church
authority or Church tribunal that an ecclesial act or sacrament is invalid, thus having no
canonical effect. Ordinarily most annulments pertain to marriage)
Apocalypse(Gk. apokalupsis). Revelation (total destruction of something)
Apocrypha(Gk. apokruphos). Hidden away (A collective name for those books which are not
considered part of the Canonical Bible but have value and interest for Christians in reading
them) see Deuterocanonical
Apologetics(Gk. apologeisthai). Speak in your own defense (branch of theology proving the truth
of Christianity)
Apostasy(Gk. apostasis). Standing away (internal renunciation of the faith by a baptised Christian)
see also Denial
Apostle(Gk. apostolos). Somebody sent out (prominent Christian missionary, especially one who
is responsible for first converting a people)
Apostolic Inter-Nuncio. Same as Inter-Nuncio

Apostolic Nuncio. Same as Nuncio
Apostolic Pro-Nuncio. Same as Pro-Nuncio
Apostolic Rota. Same as Roman Rota
Apostolic Signatura(med. Latin). to sign (the supreme ecclesiastical tribunal at the Apostolic See
Archpriest. Same as Dean
Arianism(Named after a priest Arius). Heretical religious sect begun by Arius, proposed that
‘‘Christ was like God but not really divine’’
Armageddon(Heb. har megiddon). Hill of Megiddo (the battle between good and evil to precede
judgment day)
Ascension(Latin. ascendere). Climb to (Christ’s rising to heaven) see Assumption
Asceticism(Gk. asketes). Monk or hermit (self-denying way of life)
Asperges(Latin). You will sprinkle (religious rite of sprinkling holy water)
Assumption(Latin. assumere). Take up (Mary’s ascent to heaven after death) see Ascension
Athanasia(Greek). Without death (immortality)
Atheism(Gk. atheos). Godless (disbelief in the existence of God or deities)
Attrition(Latin. atterere). Rub away (sorrow for sin engendered by the fear of damnation)
Auxiliary Bishop(Latin. auxiliarius). Helper (a bishop appointed at the request of the diocesan
bishop, when the pastoral needs of a diocese suggests. An auxiliary bishop does not possess the
right of succession) see Coadjutor Bishop
Banns (Old Eng. bannan). Summon or proclaim (the public proclamation of an intended marriage
or ordination in the church of the engaged couple or the candidate to determine whether or not
any impediments exist)
Baptism(Gk. baptein). Dip (rite of purification and initiation)
Basilica(Gk. basilike). Royal palace (Roman Catholic churches given ceremonial privileges’ by the
Pope) (There are 4 major basilicas - Ss. John Lateran[donated by the ancient Roman Plautii
Laterani family], St. Peter[Vatican Hill], St. Paul[Ostian way, Trefontane] and St. Maria
Maggiore, others are minor basilicas)
B.C/B.C.E. Before the birth of Christ/Before the Common Era. see A.D
Beatification(Latin. beatus). Blessed (a declaration that a deceased person has attained the
blessedness of heaven, though with limited public religious honor)
Benediction(Latin. benedicere). To bless (an extra-liturgical service held as a devotion to the
Blessed Sacrament).
Benedictus(Latin). Blessed (Hymn attributed to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, Lk1:68-
79. Customarily known by the first word in Latin translation) see Magnificat
Betrothal(Old English. be + treowe). Around + trustworthy – gaining trust (the act of becoming
engaged or promising to marry somebody)

Bible(Gk. biblos). Scroll (sacred book of Christians)
Bioethics(Gk. Bios + ethika). Life customs (study of the moral and social implications of practices
in the life sciences and medicine)
Biretta(Italian. beretta). Hooded cape (A stiff hat with three upright sections meeting at the centre
on top)
Blasphemy(Gk. blasphemos). Evil-speaking (this is any speech, gesture or representation that
contains contempt for God or insults him and the disrespect for sacred things)
Blessing(Old English. bletsian). (Conferring desirable qualities on somebody or something)
Boarnerges(Aramaic). Sons of Thunder (Nickname given to James and John by Jesus Christ on
account of their fervid and impetuous temper)
Breviary(Latin. breviarium). Short summary (The book, liturgy and recitation of the hymns,
psalms and prayers of the Divine Office of the Hours)
Bull, Papal(Latin. bulla). Seal (most solemn kind of letter bearing an official seal but most recently
restricted to the appointment of bishops)
Canon(Gk. kanon). Measuring stick or (metaphorically) a rule
Canonical hour. One of the daily prayer times during which the divine office is said these times
are the Matins with the Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers and Compline.
Canonisation. A declaration that a deceased person is officially a saint and co-opted into the
Roman Martryology as one who has gone to heaven. See Martyrology
Canticle(Latin. canticulum). Little song (a sacred song or chant, other than a psalm that is taken
from scripture) see Tabernacle
Cantor(Latin). Singer (a singer who pre-intones and leads in the liturgical music of the choir office
and in liturgical processions)
Cardinal(Latin. cardo). Hinge (Churchmen chosen by the Pope as his assistants in administering
the Church) (In the year 1059 Pope Nicholas II gave them the power to elect the Pope, the 1917
Code mandated that all should be validly ordained priests, in 1962 St. Pope John XXIII
mandated that all should be validly ordained bishops and by the year 1970 Pope Paul VI gave a
limit of 80 years of age to all positions in the Roman Curia and the Papabile state) see Papabile
Cassock(Italian. casacca). Overcoat (an ankle-length robe worn by priests and their assistants)
Casuistry(Latin. casus). Event (application of principles to ethical questions in order to resolve
them)
Catacomb(Late Latin. catacumbas). The subterranean cemetery of St. Sebastian, Rome (generic
name describing any underground burial chamber or cemetery used by Christians) same as
Crypt
Catechesis(Gk. katekhesis). Instruction by word of mouth (religious instruction given in advance
of baptism or confirmation)

Catechetics. Systemic study of Catechesis (history, nature, goals, principles and processes)
Catechism(Gk. katekhein). To resound or echo (Concise summary of the Christian doctrine written
for easy memorization)
Catechumen. Somebody undergoing Catechesis
Cathedral(Latin. cathedra). Chair (the capitular church of a diocese, so named because it is the
seat of the bishop and contains his throne)
Cathedraticum(Latin). Together with the chair (a tax levied on parishes, lay organizations and
other diocesan subdivisions for the support of the diocesan bishop)
Catholicism(Gk. katholike). Universal (membership, beliefs, doctrine and rituals of the Catholic
Church)
Celebret(Latin). Famous (a letter of introduction issued yearly from a priest’s ordinary or superior
which attests to the priest’s ordination and good standing in his diocese and that nothing
prevents him from celebrating mass)
Celibacy(Latin. caelebs). Unmarried (abstaining from sex)
Cenobite(Gk. koinobion). Common life (A monk that lives his or her religious life primarily in
community e.g. Cistercians, Benedictines, Carthusians, Camaldolese and Premonstratensians)
see Monk
Centurion(Latin). A group of hundred (ancient Roman officer in charge of a unit of hundred foot
soldiers)
Chalice(Latin. calix). Cup (The cup or goblet used to consecrate the wine in the Eucharistic
celebration)
Charism, Charisma or Charismata(Gk. kharisma). Divine gift (a gift or power believed to be
divinely bestowed)
Charity(Latin. caritas). Love (the authentic human communion with God and others) see Agape
Chastity(Latin. castus). Pure (the moral force and virtue that keeps order in the sphere of human
sexuality)
Chasuble(Latin. casula). Hooded cloak (sleeveless outer garment with hood worn by Priests and
Bishops when celebrating the mass)
Chrism(Gk. khrisma). An anointing (a mixture of balsam and oil [olive, vegetable, seed or
coconut] which is blessed by the bishop for the sacraments and consecrations of churches, altars,
chalices and patens)
Christ(Gk. khristos). Anointed (the named added to Jesus as proof of his anointing as Messiah) see
Messiah
Christmas(Old Eng. cristes maesse). Mass of Christ (feast of the Nativity[birth] of Jesus Christ)
Ciborium(Gk. kiborion). Vessel (a lidded-vessel used for holding communion hosts)

Circumcision(Latin. circumcidere). Cut around (the cutting of the foreskin of the penis in boys or
the skin prepuce covering the clitoris in girls either for reasons of hygiene or as a religious ritual)
Cincture(Latin. cinctura). Girdle (the cord or belt used to gather an alb around the waist)
Clergy(Gk. klerikos). Heritage (all sacred ministers ordained for religious service)
Cloister(Latin. claudere). To close (a place or an area of a monastery or convent out of bound to
nonmembers)
Coadjutor Bishop(Latin). Assistant (a bishop assigned by the holy See to a diocese to assist the
residential bishop. Unlike the auxiliary bishop, he is sometimes given special powers and when
the Episcopal see falls vacant, he immediately becomes the bishop of the diocese for which he
was appointed) see Auxiliary Bishop
C.C.E.O. Codex Canonicum Ecclesiarium Orientalium(Latin). Code of Canons of Oriental
Churches (the body of laws that govern the affairs of the Catholic Church of the Oriental rites)
C.I.C. Codex Iuris Canonici(Latin). Code of the Canon Law (the body of laws that govern the
affairs of the Roman Catholic Church)
Compline(Old French. complie). Final (the last of the seven separate canonical hours set aside for
daily prayer)
Concelebrate(Latin. concelebrare - cum + celebrare). Celebrate together (celebrating the holy
mass jointly with one or more priests or bishops)
Concilium(Latin). A council
Conclave(Latin). Locked room (the assembly of cardinals withdrawn to a private place for the
purpose of electing a new Pope)
Concordat(Latin). Bring into harmony (legal agreement between Church and State about matters
of mutual concern to protect the welfare of the Church)
Concupiscence(Latin. concupisco). Desire something urgently (a general tendency, inclination or
attraction to the desires of the flesh Ref; Rom 5:12 - 7:25)
Confirmation(Latin. confirmare – cum + firmare). Strengthen together (initiation into full adult
membership of the Church)
Confiteor(Latin). I confess (penitential rite recited at the beginning of mass)
Confraternity(Latin. confrater – cum + frater). Brothers together (a lay association set up
canonically to follow some spiritual regimen and engage in some form of apostolic work)
Conjugal(Latin. conjugare). Yoke together (that which belongs to the married state or suitable to
married persons)
Congregation(Latin. congregare – cum + greg ). Flock together (the gathering of the people of
God)
Consanguinity(Latin. consanguis – cum + sanguis). One blood (blood relationship between
persons who descend, either legitimately or illegitimately. This hinders marriage in all degrees

[generations] of the direct line [father-daughter-granddaughter] and up to/including the fourth
degree of the collateral line [first cousins]. In instances of adoption, marriage is invalid in the
direct line or to the second degree of the collateral line) see Affinity
Conscience(Latin. conscientia – cum + scire). Know thoroughly (sense of right and wrong
governing human thoughts and action)
Consecration(Latin. consecrare – cum + sacer). Make sacred (setting apart of a person/thing by
ecclesiastical act, for a religious state)
Consilium(Latin). an advisory body
Consistory(Latin. consistere). Assembling (formal gathering of the College of Cardinals, chaired
by the Pope)
Consubstantial(Latin. consubstantialis – cum + substantia). Substance together or United in one
substance (of one and the same substance esp. in ref. to the persons of the Blessed Trinity)
Consummation(Latin. consumere). Take up completely (Sexual intercourse between spouses after
the exchange of matrimonial consent)
Contemplation(Latin. contemplari – cum + templum). Observe thoroughly (movement of the
human heart in response to divine initiative or listening to God) diff from Meditation
Contraception(Latin. contra + concipere). Against taking in (various ways in which male-female
sexual intercourse can be prevented from resulting in pregnancy)
Contrition(Latin. contritus). Rub together (deep and genuine feeling of guilt and remorse for the
sin committed along with the intention of sinning no more)
Convent(Latin. conventus). A gathering (the building for (and) a community of religious women)
Conversion(Latin. conversio). Turn around (the moment whereby one alienated from God changes
from sinful choices to a new life in friendship with God)
Cope(Latin. cappa). Cape (a long cape-like clerical vestment which is open in front, fastened at the
breast and has a shield shaped hood on the back. It is used for some liturgical functions outside
the mass)
Corban(Hebrew). A gift or offering consecrated to God
Corporal(Latin. corporale). For the body (the piece of white linen cloth on which the bread and
wine are placed and consecrated during mass)
Creation(Latin. creare). Bring forth (the act of God that brought about the universe and all living
beings into existence)
Creed(Latin. credo). I believe (a formal summary of the beliefs of the Christian faith)
Cremation(Latin. cremare). To burn (the reduction of body of the deceased to ashes) see
Incineration
Criticism(Gk. kritikos). Judging or discerning (a written or spoken opinion of what is wrong or
bad about something)

Crosier(Old French). Crook bearer (pastoral staff given to bishops and abbots at installation as
symbol of their authority)
Cross(Latin. crux). Cross (the Roman form of execution used for the Crucifixion of Christ that has
now been adopted as a symbol of Christianity)
Crucifix(Latin. crucifixus). Fixed to a cross (an image of Jesus on a cross)
Cruets(Old French. crue). Little flask (this is the combination of two containers used to hold the
wine and water used at the holy mass)
Crypt(Latin. crypta)). Vault or underground chamber (an underground room beneath the main
floor of a church which serves as burial ground or relics storage) same as Catacomb
Cult(Latin. cultus). Worship (a group of people who share religious and spiritual beliefs)
Curate(Latin. cura). Care (an assistant or the parochial vicar of a parish)
Dalmatic(Named after a Roman garment made of wool from the Province of Dalmatia). A
vestment with slit sides and wide sleeves worn by a deacon during the mass or some solemn
liturgical functions
Deacon(Gk. diakonos). Servant (an ordained member of the clergy ranked below a priest, but not
really subordinate to the priest since they primarily serve the Bishop)
Dean(Old French. deien). A person in charge of others (A cleric in charge of a deanery with
limited jurisdiction) same as Vicar Forane and Archpriest
Deanery. A section of the diocese made up of several parishes and other ecclesiastical institutes,
under the limited authority of a rural Dean. Same as Vicariate Forane
Decalogue(Gk. deka + logos). Ten pronouncements (the Ten Commandments that Yahweh gave to
Israel through Moses)
Dedication(Latin. dedicare). Consecrate
De Fide Divina et Catholica(Latin). of divine Catholic faith (a revealed proposition which has
been infallibly proposed or defined by the Church whether by solemn and extraordinary
Magisterium or by the ordinary and universal Magisterium. Such are usually called Dogmas of
Faith) see Dogma
De Fide Ecclesiastica(Latin). of ecclesiastical faith (a doctrine not formally revealed but
intimately connected with revealed doctrine and infallibly proposed by the Church. These are
either theological conclusions [religious truths deduced from divine revelation and reason],
Dogmatic facts [historical facts related to revelation] or philosophical truths [existence of the
soul, freedom of will, philosophical definition used on dogmas such as transubstantiation])
Denial of Faith(Latin. denegare). Negate completely (external negation of the faith by a baptized
Christian) diff from Apostasy
Deuterocanonical(Gk. deuteros + kanon). Secondary rule (this refers to the previously disputed
secondary biblio-canonicals now accepted especially the Apocrypha) see Apocrypha

Devil(Gk. diabolos). A slanderer (the arch-enemy of man’s spiritual interest)
Devotions(Latin. devovere). Dedicate by a vow (prayers or pious exercises demonstrating
reverence for Jesus or a saint)
Diaconate. The clerical state or office of a deacon. See Deacon
Diaspora(Gk. diaspeirein). Disperse (scattering of language, culture and people)
Diocese(Gk. dioikesis). Administration (A portion of the people of God which is entrusted to a
bishop for him to shepherd with the cooperation of the Presbyterate, it constitutes a particular
Church in which the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ is truly present and
operative) see Particular Church
Disciple(Latin. discipulus). Learner (a student who decides and follows a given teacher)
Dissent(Latin. dissentire). Feel differently (disagreement about or lack of support for a doctrine or
practice established by the Church) see Protest
Divorce(Latin. divortium). (to) part (a judicial declaration of a civil court which effects the legal
dissolution of a marriage)
Doctor of the Church(Latin. docere). To teach (someone designated after death as wise, holy, and
learned hence a source of sound teaching for the whole Church)
Doctrine(Latin. doctrina). Teaching (rules that forms the bases of a belief and taught to people as
truthful and correct)
Dogma(Greek). Tenet - that is something accepted as important truth (a proposition that the
Church explicitly propounds as revealed by God in such a way that its denial is condemned by
the Church as heresy) see De Fide Divina et Catholica
Domicile(Latin. domus). House (a place of permanent residence) see Quasi-domicile
Donatism(Named after a priest Donatus). Heretical and schismatic religious sect lead by Donatus
and believed that ‘‘the Church is composed of the just alone and that all the wicked were
excluded from it’’
Doxology(Gk. doxa + logos). Glorious pronouncement (a hymn or formula giving praise to God)
Dulia(Medieval Latin). Service (the veneration of saints and angels) see Hyperdulia
Ecclesiastical(Gk. ekklesia). Church (involving or belonging to the Church)
Ecclesiology. The study of the doctrines concerning the Church and theological discussions on the
nature, function and structure of the Church
Ecstasy(Gk. ekstasis). Displacement(of the mind) (a mystical experience marked by a distinct
consciousness of the Divine presence. The person remembers everything that has taken place
during the ecstasy)
Ecumenism(Gk. oikoumenikos). Universal (movement that seeks to restore the unity of different
Christian churches and groups which by the will of Christ, the Church is bound to promote)
e.g. exempli gratia(Latin). for example

Emeritus(Latin). Served out (a title conferred upon a person who loses an ecclesiastical office by
reason of age or accepted resignation)
Encyclical(Gk. egkuklios). Circular – widely distributed (circular letters written by the Pope to
convey timely teachings on matters of faith and morals)
Eparchy. Equivalent of a diocese in the Eastern Church see Diocese
Epiclesis(Greek). Invocation (prayer asking the Holy Spirit to descend upon and dwell within the
bread and wine of the Eucharist)
Episcopal(Gk. episkopos). Overseer (relating to a bishop or bishops)
Epistle(Gk. epistole). Something sent (a literary work written in form of a letter often intended to
provide instruction)
Erasthai. Same as Eros
Eremite. Same as Hermit
Eros(Greek). Sexual love (classical and Hellenistic Greek description for sexual love or desire
mainly for the derivation of pleasure) see Erasthai
Eschatology(Gk. eskhatos+ logos). The Last + study (body of religious doctrines concerning the
human soul in relation to death, judgment, heaven and hell) see Parousia
Ethics(Gk. ethikos). Ethical (study of moral standards and how they affect conduct)
Eucharist(Gk. eukharistia). Giving thanks (the consecrated bread and wine used at communion)
Euthanasia(Greek). Easy death (the intentional killing of a tormented incurable patient by lethal
means or agents) see Athanasia
Eutychianism(Named after the Abbot Eutyches). Heretical religious sect begun by Eutyches,
proposed that ‘‘after the incarnation Christ was no longer of two natures[human and divine] but
of one[human]’’
Evangeliary or Book of the Gospel(Latin. euanggelion). Good news (a holy book containing a
schedule of only scriptural readings from the Gospels) see Lectionary
Evangelism(Gk. euaggelos). Bringing good news (the proclamation of the gospel of salvation in
Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard it)
Exarchy. Comparable to the Eparchy, but is not, for some reason. It is equivalent to an Apostolic
Vicariate in the Eastern Church. See Eparchy
Exclaustration(Latin. ex + claustrum). Out of enclosed space (permission given by an appropriate
major superior for a member of a religious community to live outside the community)
Excommunication(Latin. excommunicare – ex + communis). (put) out of the community (penalty
imposed for grave reasons on the baptized severing them from the communion of the faithful.
The present code does not give a definition of excommunication)

Execration(Latin. execrari). Undo consecration (a decree by the competent ordinary that a sacred
place has lost their dedication or blessing either due to been largely destroyed or turned over
permanently to profane usage)
Exegesis(Greek). Interpret (a branch of theology that deals with interpreting the meaning of
biblical texts) see also Hermeneutics
Exorcism(Gk. exorkizein). To swear out (the use of prayers and religious rituals to cast out demons
and unclean spirits from a person or object. In 1972, it was suppressed as a special ministry)
Faculty(Latin. facultas). Ease (the permission granted to a clergy by his ecclesiastical supervisor to
him carryout his duties towards those he ministers)
Feria(Latin). Free day (a weekday on which no proper vigil or feast day is observed)
Feudalism(medieval Latin. feudum). Land or property used as a reward for service (the legal and
social systems that existed in medieval Europe where vassals held land from the lords in
exchange for military service)
Fistula(Latin). Pipe (a liturgical straw or tube for drinking the precious blood[consecrated wine])
Formation, Religious(Latin. forma). Mold (this is a process which enables persons to discover and
then to assimilate and deepen their identity as religious)
Fornication(Latin. fornicatus). Brothel (sexual intercourse or any form of immoral sexual
behaviour between a man and a woman who are not married)
Fraction(Latin. frangere). Break (this is the breaking of the consecrated host after the sign of
peace at the celebration of the holy mass. It is reserved for the priests and deacons)
Friar(Latin. frater). Brother (a member of one of the mendicant religious orders) see Mendicant
Orders
Gallicanism(Latin. gallus). Ancient France (a French movement in favor of giving more autonomy
to the Roman Catholic Church in individual countries and reducing the authority of the Pope)
Gaudete Sunday(Latin). Rejoice (third Sunday of Advent signaling the approaching joy of
Christmas celebration)
Genuflect(Latin. genu + flectere). Knee bending (to bend the right knee to the floor and rise again
as a gesture of religious adoration)
Glossolalia(Gk. glossa + lalia). Tongue + speaking/giving forth sound (a rather ambiguous term
referenced in several biblical passages encompassing the gifts of praying and speaking in
tongues)
Gnosticism(Gk. gnosis). Knowledge (Heretical religious sect who espoused an ethical,
metaphysical and theological dualism according to which the material world, including human
body, was seen as the creation of an evil demiurge who had imprisoned fallen, spiritual souls in
physical bodies hence they rejected procreation as evil. They believed that salvation came

through special, esoteric knowledge[gnosis] that enabled these fallen souls to escape their
material imprisonment and rise to a spiritual contemplation of the true God)
Golgotha(Aramaic. gogolta). Skull (the name of the place where Jesus was crucified)
Gospel(Old English. godspel). Good News (a set of four books of the Bible[Mt, Mk, Lk & Jn] that
tell the story of the life of Jesus Christ)
Gregorian Chant(from the name of Pope Gregory I). A plain, monadic and purely vocal chant
used in musical worship and it holds pride of place since it is proper to the Roman liturgy.
selections
Habit, Religious(Latin.habere). To wear (the common non-liturgical attire of members of religious
orders)
Hagiography(Gk. hagios + graphe). Sacred writing (biography of holy people, that is, the saints.
It involves a study and comparison of the sources, the assessment of their historical importance,
and relating them to contemporary history)
Hallelujah(Hebrew). Same as Alleluia
Hamartiology(Gk. Hamartia + logos). Sin + study (a branch of Christian Theology that studies
the doctrine of sin)
Harem(Hebrew). Same as Anathema
Hellenistic(Gk. hellen). A Greek (characteristic of or associated with Greeks)
Heresy(Gk. hairesis). A sect/ group (a conscious and deliberate adherence by a baptised Catholic
to an error about a formally and publicly promulgated teaching of an authoritative organ of the
Church) diff from Heterodoxy
Hermeneutics(Gk. hermeneutikos). Of interpreting (a branch of theology branch of theology that
deals with the methods of interpreting the biblical texts) see Exegesis
Hermit(Gk. eremites). Desert (a man or woman, who has publicly professed the three evangelical
counsels and practices a most severe withdrawal from the world in other to live a solitary life of
silence, assiduous prayer and mortification) see Eremite and Anchorite
Hesychasm(Gk. hesukhos). Quiet or still (a method of interior prayer practiced especially in the
Eastern Church)
Heterodoxy(Gk. hetero + doxa). Other opinion (the condition of being at variance with accepted
religious beliefs) see Orthodoxy
H.J.S. Hic Jacet Sepultus(Latin). Here lies buried [used on gravestones]
Hierarchy(Gk. hierarkhes). Ruling sacred person (an ordering of ministers in the Church
considered by believers to be traceable to Jesus)
Homicide(Latin. homicida – homo + caedere). Killing of a human being (this is the killing of one
human by the act, procurement, or omission of another)

Homily(Gk. homilia). Sermon (this is a liturgical form of preaching where the mysteries of faith
and norms of Christian life are to be explained from the sacred text during the course of the
liturgical year at a mass celebrated with a congregation. It is reserved to the priest and deacon)
Honoraria(Latin). Gift made on being admitted to a position of honour (an amount of money paid
to a profession for providing a service)
Hyperdulia(Medieval Latin). Extreme service (the special veneration given to the Blessed Virgin
Mary) See Dulia
Iconoclasm(Gk. eikonoklastes). Image-breaker (Heretical religious sect begun by Bishop
Constantius, who induced Emperor Leo Isaurus into declaring war on the veneration of sacred
images and relics of saints)
i.e. id est(Latin). that is
Immortality(Latin. im + mortalis). Against death (able to have eternal existence)
Imprimatur(Latin). Let it be printed (license granted by the diocesan censor to books that are in
line with official Catholic teachings on faith and morals)
Incardination(Latin. incardinare). To hang on a hinge (the enlistment of a cleric under the
jurisdiction of an ordinary or a major superior)
Incarnation(Latin. incarnari). Be made flesh (God taking human form as Jesus Christ)
Incense(Latin. incensum). Something burnt (Aromatic gum or resin in granulated form, which
gives of a fragrant smoke when burnt)
Incest(Latin. incestus). Impure (sexual activity between two people who are considered, for
reasons of consanguinity or affinity, too closely related to have such a relationship)
Incineration(Latin. incinerare). Turn to ashes. Same as Cremation
Inculturation(Latin. incultura). Towards tillage (The efforts of Christianity to be truly Catholic by
adapting its message to the native character and culture of those in the mission lands)
Indulgences(Latin. indulgere). Allow space for (the remission before God of the temporal
punishment due to sins whose guilt has been forgiven)
Indult(Latin. indultum). Concession (special permission given for a determinate period of time by
the Holy See for deviation from the common law of the Church) see Privilege
Infallibility(Latin. infallibilis). Inability to err (this when the bishops assembled in an ecumenical
council acting as judges or the Pope defining Ex Cathedra (Petri) (from the chair of Peter) on a
subject matter concerning faith and morals)
Infant(Latin. in + fari). Not speaking (A child who, according to CIC has not attained or
completed the seventh year of age, hence considered not responsible for oneself) see C.I.C.
Inter-Nuncio. A papal representative with the rank of Envoy extraordinary and/or Minister
plenipotentiary, sent to a local church and accredited to the state. See Nuncio

Intinction(Latin. intingere). Dip in (The religious act of dipping the consecrated host into the
consecrated wine)
Jeshua(Hebrew). Same as Jesus
Jesus(Greek). The name given to the incarnate son of God to highlight his salvific mission. See
Jeshua
Kenosis(Greek). Empty
Kerygma(Greek). Proclamation (Priestly or prophetic declaration of an event)
Laicisation(Latin. laos). People (this is the loss of clerical state by one who has validly received
sacred ordination though the ordination itself never becomes invalid)
Lauds(Latin). Praises (the first of the seven canonical hours set aside for daily prayer)
Lectern(Latin. lectio). Reading (a stand with a sloping top used to place holy books during
liturgical and extra-liturgical celebrations) see Ambo
Lectionary(Latin. lectio). Reading (a holy book containing a schedule of scriptural readings for the
year, as stipulated by the Church) see Evangeliary
Lector(Latin). Reader (a minister who takes the readings at ecclesiastical services except the
Gospel) see Reader
Lent(Anglo-Saxon. lencten). Spring – season of the year occurring between winter and summer
within the months of March to May (the forty days period of fasting and abstinence in
preparation for Easter) see Quadregesima
Lesbianism(Derived from the expressions of the Poetess Sappho[600 B.C.] who lived on the
Island of Lesbos and allegedly practiced and celebrated sexual relationship between persons of
the female sex). Sexual relation and sexual attraction between women.
Limbo(Latin). on the border (the temporary condition of those who have died without the
conditions necessary for entrance into heaven but also without the personal guilt necessary for
purgatory or for condemnation to hell)
Liturgy(Gk. leitourgia). Public service (any public act of worship performed for the sake of
others)
Local Ordinary. This title is given to the pope, diocesan bishops and others who, even if only
temporarily, are placed over some particular church.
Lunette(French. lune). Little moon (a crescent shaped instrument used to clip the consecrated host
before attaching it to the monstrance) see Monstrance
Lutheranism(Named after the monk priest Martin Luther). Heretical religious sect begun by
Luther, who published and distributed to the faithful 95 heretical thesis and re-enacted other by-
gone heresies which sparked an 81 years war between the protestant league and the Catholic
Emperor Charles V from 1517 till 1598, when Pope Clement hesitantly accepted King Henry
IV’s Edict of Nantes which granted civil and religious tolerance to protestants.

Magisterium(Latin. magister). Master – a teacher with an authority in a particular field (this is the
living teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church. We have the Sacred[infallible] and the
ordinary[fallible] which is categorised into seven namely; de fide divina et catholica, de fide
ecclesiastica, sententia fidei proxima, sententia certa, sententia communis, sententia probabilis
and opinion tolerata) see all seven categories
Magnanimity(Latin. magnus + animus). Great mind (virtue prompting a person to act honorably
toward others)
Magnificat(Latin). Magnifies (Hymn attributed to Mary in Lk 1:46-55. Traditionally known by the
first word in its Latin translation) see Benedictus
Major(Later). Greater (according to the CIC, a person who has completed the eighteenth year of
age, below this age, aperson is a minor) see Infant and Minor
Manna(Aramaic. Man-hu). What is that (the food that God gave to the Israelites during their
wandering in the wilderness)
Manual Labour(Latin. manualis + labor). Of the hand + toil (all tasks that involves the use of
physical exertion especially with the hands rather than by computerized or mental exertion)
Maranatha(Aramaic. maran’athah). Come, O Lord
Martyr(Gk. Matur). Witness (One who chooses to died rather than deny a strongly held Christian
belief)
Martyrology. An official catalogue of the Hagiography of Christian Martyrs and Canonised
Saints. See Canonisation
Matins(Latin. matutinus). Of the morning (the earliest morning hour of the divine office)
Mediator(Latin). One who comes in between (a person who intervenes between two others in
other to effect reconciliation)
Mediatrix(Latin). Attached to a mediator (the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the co-
mediator with Jesus Christ) see Crucifix
Meditation(Latin. meditare). Measuring (mental prayer involving systematic reflection on a
Christian mystery) diff from Contemplation
Memorare(Latin). to remember (a late medieval prayer of uncertain authorship asking the
intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Mendicant Orders(Latin, mendicus). Beggar (congregations of religious who forbids ownership of
property and encourages working or begging for a living e.g. Dominicans, Franciscans,
Carmelites, Servites, Augustinians etc)
Messiah(Heb. Masiah). Anointed see Christ
Metropolitan(Gk. metropolis). Mother city (a residential archbishop, the chief shepherd of a
particular church to which the office of presiding over the ecclesiastical province has been
attached)

Minister(Latin). Servant (those who serve in the liturgical and pastoral engagements of the
Church)
Minor(Latin). Lesser (according to the CIC, a child who has completed the seventh year of age
and is presumed to have the use of reason) see Infant, Major and C.I.C.
Miracle(Latin. miraculum). Object of wonder (an event that breaks through or surpasses the laws
of nature)
Missionary(Latin. mission). Send off (a person sent by the competent ecclesiastical authority to
participate in the evangelization and the planting of the Church among those people and groups
that do not yet believe in Christ and where she has not taken root)
Monastery(Gk. monazein). Live alone (the fixed abode of a community of monks) see Abbey and
Priory
Monk(Gk. monachos). One who lives alone (a member of a community of cenobites who live
together under a rule or under an abbot with religious vows of the evangelical counsel i.e.
Benedictines, Cistercians, Carthusians, Camaldolese and Premonstratensians) see Cenobite
Monsignor(Italian. monsignore). My lord (an ecclesiastical title of honour bestowed on priests and
prelates by the Pope)
Monstrance(Latin. monstrare). To show (the sacred vessel used for exposing the Blessed
Sacrament for veneration. The lunette is used to attach the consecrated host to it) see Lunette
Mortal Sin(Latin. mortalis). Death (a sin considered so evil that it leads to the death of the
soul[damnation] through the total loss of grace)
Mosaic(adjective of the name Moses). Applies to the period and some characteristic references
associated with the Prophet Moses e.g. Decalogue etc.)
N.B. Nota Bene(Latin). Note well
Neophyte(Gk. neophutos). Newly planted (a recent convert to Catholicism or a religious novice
who has not yet taken vows)
Nestorianism(Named after the Archbishop Nestorius). Heretical religious sect begun by Nestorius,
proposed that ‘‘Mary was the mother of Christ, not the mother of God’’
N.N. Nomen Nescio(Latin). I don’t know the name
None(Latin. nonus). Ninth (the fifth of the seven canonical hours set aside for daily prayer. It was
originally the ninth hour of the day[3pm])
Novena(Latin. novem). Nine (a period of public or private prayer lasting nine days to mark an
important occasion, offer a special intention or obtain a particular grace)
Novice(Latin. novus). New (a person undergoing a period of formation[novitiate], for admission
into an institute of consecrated life) see Postulant

Novitiate. This is the process by which life in an institute begins, where the novices come to a
better awareness of the divine vocation proper to the institute and have their resolution and
suitability tested
Nun(Latin. nonnus). Monk (strictly speaking, a member of a religious community of women living
under solemn vows. Popularly, any religious woman)
Nuncio(Latin. nuntius). Messenger (somebody with the diplomatic status of an ambassador,
appointed by the Pope to represent him in a country and accorded by the receiving government
the ipso facto function of Dean of the diplomatic Corps) see Pro-Nuncio and Inter-Nuncio
Oblate(Latin. oblatus). Offered (a layperson who is a member of a religious community)
Octave(fr. Latin. octavus). Eight (the liturgical practice of commemorating a church feast over a
period of eight days, beginning with the feast day itself)
Opinion Tolerata(Latin). Bearable belief (opinions tolerated within the Catholic Church, such as
legends)
Oriental(Latin. orient). Rise – (Eastern i.e. the sun’s rising from the East)
Orthodoxy(Gk. orthodoxos – orthos + doxa). Correct opinions/teaching (holding the right beliefs
according to the teachings of the Church)
Orthopraxis(Greek). Correct actions/deeds (the term asserts that acting according to the gospel of
Jesus Christ is more important than having the right beliefs)
Pallium(Latin). Covering (a circular band of white woolen material with two hanging strips,
marked with black crosses and worn over the chasuble by the Pope and the Metropolitans, as a
sign of communion between them and the Holy Father)
Papacy, The(Gk. pappas). Father (the power, position and period of office of the Pope)
Papabile. The state of meeting the necessary requirements for election as Pope, esp. by Cardinals.
Papal Bull. Same as Bull
Paraclete(Gk. parakletos). Advocate (a designation given solely to the Holy Spirit)
Parochus(Latin). A canonically appointed parish priest. Diff from Sacerdos
Parish(Gk. paroikos). Neighbor (a certain community of the Christian faithful stably constituted in
a particular church, whose pastoral care is entrusted to a Parochus as its proper pastor under the
authority of the diocesan bishop) see Parochus
Parochial. Same as Parish
Parochial Vicar. a priest who is a co-worker with or an assistant to the parish priest or quasi-
parish priest
Parousia(Greek). The final coming. See Eschatology
Particular Church. Same as Diocese
Paten(Latin. paterna). Shallow dish (sacred vessel which holds the consecrated large host at mass)

Patriarch(Gk. patriarkhes). Head of the family (a bishop of the Eastern Church with Episcopal
jurisdiction over all the bishops including metropolitans of the Church over which he presides)
Pectoral Cross(Latin. pectoralis). Of the breast (a cross of precious metal worn suspended from
the neck by the Pope, cardinals, bishops and abbots)
Pedagogy(Gk. paidagogia). Duties of a slave who leads a child to school (the science or profession
of teaching)
Pelagianism(Named after a monk Pelagius). Heretical religious sect begun by Pelagius, proposed
that ‘‘man can by free-will conquer temptations and passions, hence attain perfection without the
assistance of grace’’
Pentateuch(Gk. pentateuchos). Five scrolls (the first five books of the Old Testament containing
the legislative codes of the Old Testament, hence it is known as the Law or Torah) see Torah
Pentecost(Gk. pentekoste). Fifty (the solemnity celebrating the decent of the holy spirit upon the
early Church)
Peregrinus(Latin). One travelling (Persons who are outside their domicile or quasi-domicile)
Pieta(Italian). Pity (a painting or sculpture of the Virgin Mary receiving the dead Christ on her lap)
Pinnacle(Latin. pinnaculum). Little feather (the highest or topmost point of a Church building)
pm post meridiem(Latin). after midday. See am
Pontiff(Latin. pontifex). A way or bridge (a designation given to a bishop (local ordinary) or the
Pope himself who is also the bishop of Rome)
Pope. See Papacy
Postulant(Latin. postulare). Demand (a candidate for membership into a religious order in a
preliminary period of testing prior to acceptance into the novitiate). See Novice
Praetorium(Greek). Judgment Hall attached to a palace where the ruler heard cases for judgment.
Prayer(Old Fr. preiere). Obtained by entreat (As the most elementary religious act, it is the
acceptance of the prime fact of being created by, dependent on and destined for God)
Prelate(Latin. praelatus). One set before (a clergy with ecclesiastical jurisdiction by way of his
rank or office. This includes all bishops, cardinals, the pope, Prefects, Vicar Apostolic, Abbots,
prelate nullius and apostolic administrators)
Presbyterate(Latin. presbyter). Elder of the Church (the office or position of the ordained Priest)
Prime(Latin. primus). First (the second of the seven canonical hours set aside for daily prayer)
Primacy of the Pope(Latin. primus). First or most important (the quality of being first which
according to Catholic teaching belongs to the bishop of Rome)
Priory(Latin. prior). Superior/elder (the houses of most monastic orders governed by a Prior or
Prioress) see Abbey
Privilege(Latin. privilegium). Private law (special permission granted in perpetuity by the Holy
See for deviation from the common law of the Church) see Indult

Procurator(Latin. procurare). Manage/Take care of (one by legitimate mandate, performs judicial
business in the name of someone else) see Advocate
Profane(Latin. profanus). Outside the temple or not sacred (showing disrespect for a religion or
deity) see Sacrilege
Profess(Latin. profiteri). Declare publicly (to either admit someone or be admitted into a religious
order)
Promulgate(Latin. promulgare). Bring to public notice (to proclaim or declare publicly and
officially that a law or decree is in effect)
Pro-Nuncio. Somebody with the diplomatic status of an ambassador appointed by the Pope to
represent him in a country but is not accorded by the receiving government the ipso facto
function of Dean of the diplomatic Corps. See Nuncio
Prophet(Gk. Prophetes – pro + phetes). Speaking beforehand (an inspired teacher)
Proselyte(GK. proseluthos). Somebody who comes to a place (somebody converted to a new
belief)
Protest(Latin. protestari). Declare publicly (organized effort to bring public pressure to bear on the
Church to change its teaching on an issue) see Dissent
Protopresbyter(Latin). First elder of the Church (He is the equivalent of a Dean or Vicar Forane
in the Eastern Church)
Protosyncellus(Latin). First unified chamber (Equivalent of the Vicar General in the Eastern
Church) See Syncellus
Province(Latin. provincia). Territory conquered by Rome (an ECCLESIASTICAL province is a
group of diocese headed by a metropolitan archbishop while a RELIGIOUS province is a
territorial division of a religious order under the jurisdiction of a provincial superior)
Purgatory(Latin. purgare). Purify (the traditional belief in a process of purification after death for
a faithful who died in the state of grace and in needed of freedom from guilt of sin)
Pyx(Gk. puxis). Box (a smaller ciborium used especially for taking communion to the sick and
aged)
Quadragesima(Late Latin). Forty. Same as Lent
Quasi domicile(Latin). As if or resembling (Refers to a second home, a place for business or
recreation) See Domicile
Quasi-Parish. A certain portion of Christ’s faithful within a particular Church entrusted to a priest
but because of special circumstances is not yet erected as a parish. Furthermore, unless the law
provides otherwise, it is an equivalent to a parish
Quiet, Prayer(Latin. quiete). At rest (simply the transition to the passive prayer of contemplation
where one wants, hopes for and thinks only about God without distractions by any other subject)
Qur’an, The(Arabic). Recitation (the gospel of Islam, the message of prophet Muhammed)

Rabbi(Hebrew). My master (honorific title at the time of Jesus given to the teachers of the Torah)
see Torah
Reader. One instituted to proclaim the readings from scripture except the Gospel. See Lector
Relics(Latin. reliquus). Remaining (objects or bodily remains kept and revered as a memorial of a
holy person)
Reliquary. A repository for sacred relics see Relics
Renunciation(Latin. renuntiare). Announcement (the verbal rejection of the devil by a Christian at
baptism)
Rhema(Greek). What is said
Rite(Latin. ritus). Fit together (the liturgical, theological, spiritual and disciplinary patrimony of
the Church. The twenty-one Eastern Churches Sui iuris observe five different rites, as follows;
Alexandrian, Antiochene, Byzantine, Chaldean and Armenian)
Roman Collar(Latin. collare ). Neck (A stiff white collar, continuous at the front and worn by the
clergy outside liturgical functions)
Roman Curia(Latin). Council (this a complex of dicasteries of congregations and institutes, which
assist the Bishop of Rome in exercising his supreme pastoral office for the welfare and service of
the whole Church) see Concilium
Roman Rota(Latin). Wheel (the highest Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Appeal at the Apostolic See) see
Apostolic Rota
Rosary(Latin. rosarium). Rose garden (a sacramental made up of a string of beads used in
counting ejaculatory prayers)
Rubric(Latin. rubrica). Red (directions and explanations for celebrants found in liturgical books,
usually printed in red distinguishing it from the text)
Sabaoth(Hebrew). Hosts or armies (All the heavenly bodies like stars or all the heavenly beings
such as angels)
Sabbath(Heb. sabbat). Rest (the observance of the seventh day of the week (Saturday) as a day of
rest and religious observance by Jews)
Sacerdos(Latin). Priest or quasi-parish priest. See Parochus
Sacramentarianism. Heretical religious sect begun by Archdeacon Andrew Carlostad, which
denies the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Sacramentals(Latin. sacramentum). Sacred mystery (These are sacred signs through which
effects, especially spiritual effects are obtained through the intercession of the Church)
Sacrarium(Latin). Shrine (the place where the waste water gotten from the ablution bowl and the
oblata linens is poured)
Sacrilege(Latin. sacrilegium). Temple robbery (disrespectful treatment of a person, place or thing
considered holy or is dedicated to worship) see Profane

Sapphic Love. Same as Lesbianism
Scandal(Latin. scandalum). A trap (a snare or stumbling block which causes someone to fall,
simply tempting another to sin)
Scapular(Latin. scapulae). Shoulder blades (it is either a loose sleeveless garment or two pieces of
cloths joined together, worn over the shoulder and back to signify membership in a religious
order or for some other devotional purpose)
Schism(Gk. sckhizein). To split (the obstinate refusal to submit to the primacy of the Pope without
otherwise rejecting the teaching of the Church)
Scribe(Latin. scriba). Official writer (in Jewish tradition, those who wrote legal documents and
were also the keepers and interpreters of the Jewish religious traditions)
Scruples(Latin. scrupulus). Uneasiness (an irrational anxiety that one may have sinned or may not
have adequately confessed, performed penance, completed a duty, or the like)
Sedilia(Latin). Seat (seats placed near the altar on the sanctuary of a church and used by the priests
celebrating at mass)
See(Old French. se). Seat (the area that is under the jurisdiction of a local ordinary whether bishop
or Archbishop)
Seminarian(Latin. seminarium). Seed plot (a person who attends a theological college as a
candidate for the priesthood)
Sententia Certa(Latin). Determined opinion (Church teaching without final approval but clearly
deduced from revelation)
Sententia Communis(Latin). Common opinion (teachings which are popular but within the free
range of theological research)
Sententia Fidei Proxima(Latin). Nearest opinion of faith (Church teachings accepted as divine
revelation but not defined as such by the Magisterium)
Sententia Probabilis(Latin). Provable opinion (teachings with low degree of certainty)
Septuagint or LXX(Latin. septuaginta). Seventy (Greek translation of the Hebrew bible which
was said to be accomplished by seventy elders)
Servile works(Latin. servilis). Slavery (those works and occupations which obstruct the worship to
be rendered to God, the joy befitting the Lord’s Day or the proper relaxation of mind and body)
Sext(Latin. sexta). Sixth (the fourth of the seven canonical hours set aside for daily prayer. It was
originally the sixth hour of the day[midday])
Shalom(Heb. salom). Peace
Simony(After the name of Simon Magnus, the magician in Acts 8: 18-20, who tried to buy the
power of conferring the Holy Spirit ). The deliberate attempt to buy or sell a spiritual thing, or a
temporal thing that is especially annexed to a spiritual thing, for a temporal price.
S.O.S. Si Opus Sit(Latin). if occasion require

Soteriology(Gk. soteria + logos). Salvation + study (a branch of Christian Theology that studies
the doctrine of salvation)
Stigmata(Greek). Mark on the skin (the marks of the wounds suffered by Jesus Christ in his
crucifixion)
Suburbicarian Sees(Latin. suburbium + sedes). Near the city + seat – a seat near the city (Seven
in number, directly related to the Archdiocese of Rome and headed by a cardinal bishop, they
are: Ostia, Albano, Frascati, Palestrina, Porto-Santa Rufina, Sabina-Poggio, Mirteto and Velletri
Segni)
Suffragan Bishop(Latin. suffragium). Supporting (the bishop of a diocese which is part of an
ecclesiastical province supervised by a metropolitan archbishop)
Suicide(Latin. sui + cidium). ‘‘of yourself’’ + ‘‘to kill’’ = killing of yourself (the direct taking of
one’s life done on one’s own authority. This differs from self-sacrifice where one doesn’t will to
die but gives it up)
Summa Theologiae(Latin). Summary of Theology (a work which is a profound and authoritative
statement of Catholic theology authored by St. Thomas Aquinas)
Synoptic Gospel(Gk. sunopsis). Common view (the gospels attributed to Matthew, Mark and Luke
which give a more common view of Jesus’ public ministry, different from that of John)
Synagogue(Gk. sunagoge). Assembly (a house of worship or the gathering of the Jewish
Congregation)
Syncellus(Latin). Unified chamber (It is the counterpart of Episcopal Vicar in the Eastern Church)
See Protosyncellus
Tabernacle(Latin. tabernaculum). Little tent (an exquisitely ornamented repository for the
consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist) see Canticle
Terce(Latin. tertius). Third (the third of the seven canonical hours set aside for daily prayer. It was
originally the third hour of the day[9am])
Th.D. Theologiae Doctor(Latin). teacher of Theology
Theocracy(Gk. theokratia). Rule of the gods (an institutionalized form of government based on the
teachings of God implemented through a representative)
Theotokos(Greek). God-bearer (Eastern title for Mary, Mother of God)
Theology(Gk. theos + logos). Study of God (a course of specialized religious training on the
Christian faith and God’s relationship to the world)
Thurible(Gk. thuos). Burnt offering (sacred metallic vessel used for the ceremonial burning of
incense at liturgical services)
Titular Bishop. Any episcopate who is not entrusted with the care of any diocese e.g. Coadjutor,
auxiliary and retired bishops, apostolic vicars, territorial abbots, apostolic administrators etc
Titular See. A diocese which no longer has a diocesan bishop

Torah(Greek). Teaching or instruction. Same as Pentateuch
Triduum(Latin. tres + dies). Three days (a three day period of prayer observed privately or
publicly in preparation for a major feast)
Trisagion(Greek). Holy three times (the short chant, ‘‘Holy God, holy mighty one, holy immortal
one, have mercy on us… which originated from the early Eastern Church)
Vagus(Latin). One who is wandering or homeless (a person who has neither a domicile or quasi-
domicile) see Peregrinus
Veneration(Latin. venerari). Love or desire (to honour somebody or something as sacred or
special)
Venial(Latin. venia). Forgiveness (an act that is easily forgiven or excused)
Versicle(Latin. versiculus). Short verses (the first of two short exclamatory lines recited or sung
antiphonally at a liturgy) see Canticle
Vespers(Latin). Evening (the sixth of the seven canonical hours set aside for daily prayer)
Viaticum(Latin). Provision for a journey (Holy Communion given to those facing life-threatening
circumstances to imbue them with God’s grace on their journey to eternal life)
Vicar(Latin. vicarius). Substitute (a clergy who substitutes for another in the exercise of an
ecclesiastical office)
Vicariate Forane. Same as Deanery
Vicar Forane. Same as Dean
Vigil(Latin). Alert (liturgical exercises performed on the evening preceding a particular feast in
preparation for such feasts)
Vocation(Latin. vocare). To call (a particular state of life or occupation in which one’s acceptance
of that invitation can be lived out)
Vulgate(Latin. vulgare). Make public (the fourth century Latin version of the Bible translated
majorly by St. Jerome from the Hebrew Bible rather than from the Greek Septuagint)
Zucchetto(Italian. zucchetta). Small head (a small round cap worn by the clergy, the colour of
which depends on the person wearing it)

REFERENCES
General Instruction of the Roman Missal (Pauline Publication Africa, 2012)
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary (Theological Publication in India TPI, 2011)
CHRISTIAN ETHICS: Moral Theology in the Light of Vatican II Vol. 2 by K. H. Peschke (TPI, 2013)
Code of the Canon Law (TPI, 1983)
A Dictionary of Canon Law by John Burke S.M.A. (Don Bosco Publications, 2004)
The Modern Catholic Encyclopedia by Micheal Glazier (Liturgical Press, 2004)
The New Catholic Community Bible (St. Paul Publications, 2013)
Microsoft Encarta Dictionary (Microsoft Corporation, 2009)
Longman Latin Course by R.D. Wormald (Longman Publishing, 2003)
Dictionary of Science and Technology (Wordsworth, 1995)

Demystification of Theological Terms Via Etymolgy

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