Dictionary

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

Or browse the dictionary by selecting a letter!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

PHILEMON

A convert of Paul who had the distinction of being the only recorded recipient of a personal letter from the Apostle. Paul had converted a runaway slave named Onesimus to return to his owner with a warm, beseeching letter urging Philemon to show mercy. He offered to pay whatever the errant salve owed. It was an appeal for compassion that Philemon would not only forgive Onesimus but set him free as a Christian brother (Philemon 1-25). (Etym. Greek phil_mon, loving).

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

Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org