Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
GIFT
As a title to ownership in scholastic philosophy, the voluntary transfer of something to another person. Gift includes two elements: alienation or giving up of the first owner's right, and acceptance of the beginning of the new owner's right. Both of these take place together and with a view to one another. The property is alienated only on condition that it can be accepted by the person to whom it is offered, so that if a gift is refused the property is not alienated and others have no claim on it.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Recent Catholic Commentary
Those Harleys again 15 hours ago
Happy Father's Day! June 14
Recognizing Our Guilt is Healthy June 13
Top Catholic News
Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11