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A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.

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IDEAL

The criterion or standard of excellence which serves as a model for moral conduct. It carries the notion of something that exists only in the imagination and is therefore visionary, and yet may serve as stimulus and inspiration for human behavior.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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