Dictionary

A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.

Or browse the dictionary by selecting a letter!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

CATHEDRAL

The official church of a bishop, where his permanent episcopal throne is erected. It is the mother church of a diocese and its clergy have precedence. The cathedral must be consecrated, and the date of consecration and the date of its titular feast must be observed liturgically. (Etym. Latin cathedra, a chair, stool, throne; Greek kathedra, seat.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org