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PHENOMENON

Something sensible perceptible or immediately observable, as distinguished from the nature or substance to which reason must conclude. In theology, phenomena are extraordinary events whose origin may be explained by unknown natural laws, angelic or demonic intervention, or the miraculous operation of God. (Etym. Greek phainomenon, from phainesthai, to appear.

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

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