Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
CIRCUMCELLIONS
Extremists who joined the Donatist schism in Africa during the lifetime of Constantine. They practiced suicide, thinking it was martyrdom. Their lives were socially unprofitable, as they were spent in idleness, dissipation, and violence, hence their name, which implied that they were wandering brigands. (Etym. Latin circa, around + cella, cell.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Recent Catholic Commentary
Pope Francis the Frank 19 hours ago
Those Harleys again June 17
Happy Father's Day! June 14
Top Catholic News
Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11