Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
OBSERVANCE
The act or practice of complying with something prescribed, as a law or custom, mainly in religious matters. In the history of religious orders, the term has become normative among those who were considered "Observants," in contrast with others in the same institute who had mitigated the original rule. Thus there have been Observants among the Benedictines, Cistercians, and Franciscans.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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