Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
CENTURIATORS
First major publishers among the Reformers to reinterpret Christianity historically along Protestant lines. Their History of the Church of Christ, published in Basle (1559-74), covered the Church's life from Christ to 1440. Its main author was Matthias Flacius (1520-75), and its dominant theme was that for fourteen centuries the Church founded by Christ was suppressed and dominated by the papal antichrist, until finally liberated by Martin Luther (1483-1546). Among the earliest refutations were those of St. Peter Canisius (1521-97) and Cardinal Baronius (1538-1607), who exposed the historical inaccuracies and the liberties taken with ecclesiastical documents. (Etym. Latin centurio, a commander of a hundred.).
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
