Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
LANCE, THE HOLY
The instrument used to pierce the side of Christ after his death on the Cross. Said to have been found by St. Helena at Jerusalem. The broken point was brought to Constantinople and in 1241 to Paris, where it disappeared during the French Revolution. The lower, larger section was carried to Constantinople before 900 and in 1492 to Rome, where it is still preserved at St. Peter's.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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