Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
HYMN
A religious song of honor and praise, or of petition addressed to God or the saints. Hymns appointed for liturgical use are mainly taken from the Scriptures or based on some mystery of the faith as taught by the Church. All hymns used in the liturgy must be approved by an ecclesiastical authority. (Etym. Latin hymnus, song of praise.)
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