Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
RATIO
The essence or nature of something intelligible to the mind. It is therefore the intelligibility of any essence. In ecclesiastical language it is the ground or reason or rationale of a thing, especially as pertaining to an organized body of knowledge, legislation, or method of performing an activity. Thus the Code of Canon Law has a fundamental ratio or set of principles on which it is based. (Etym. Latin ratio, reason; intelligence, mind, act of reasoning, knowledge, plan, motive, argumentation, account.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Recent Catholic Commentary
Pope Francis the Frank 15 hours ago
Those Harleys again June 17
Happy Father's Day! June 14
Top Catholic News
Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11