Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
HYMNODY
Religious lyric poetry different from epic poetry and distinct from profane lyric poetry. Catholic hymnody is divided into liturgical and nonliturgical. The former has hymns belonging by their nature to the Sacrifice of the Mass and the canonical hours such as are found in the Breviary. The nonliturgical embrace hymns for use in private devotion or during the liturgy when they are approved by the hierarchy.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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