Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
PRESENCE
To be near someone or something, either actually or effectively or spiritually. Actually presence means that the object ;is really and substantially there; effective presence means that its influence is being exercised, although the cause of the influence may be actually somewhere else; spiritual presence is the interior response to a person who may be physically absent but is affecting the mind and will of the one to whom he or she is said to be present. (Etym. Latin prae, before + ens, being: praesens, being at, taking part in what goes on.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
