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

DORMITION

Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Byzantine name for the Assumption, and the title of the famous Benedictine church on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. (Etym. Latin dormitio, sleeping; from dormire, to sleep.)

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

Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.

Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

» Year of Faith - Overview & Resources

» Visit the Easter Workshop

» Visit the Ordinary Time Workshop

Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org

Recent Catholic Commentary

Revealing News, and Revealing Christ May 24

The Russell Ford problem May 24

Fr. Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly: Your Letter May Help May 24

The Rise and Fall of the (American?) Church May 23

The Ideal of Pope Francis: the Servant Church May 23

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days

Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8