quidditas, what a thing is, essence, so called because in answer to the question "Quid est res?" [What is a thing?], the essence of a thing is expected.)"> quidditas, what a thing is, essence, so called because in answer to the question "Quid est res?" [What is a thing?], the essence of a thing is expected.)"> quidditas, what a thing is, essence, so called because in answer to the question "Quid est res?" [What is a thing?], the essence of a thing is expected.)" />

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Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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QUIDDITY

The essence of anything, answering to the question "What is it?" In scholastic terminology it is the definition of something. (Etym. Latin quidditas, what a thing is, essence, so called because in answer to the question "Quid est res?" [What is a thing?], the essence of a thing is expected.)

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter; Opt. Mem. of St. Damien de Veuster, Priest; Opt. Mem. of St. John of Avila

Today the Proper Calendar for the US celebrates the Optional Memorial of Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC. (1840-1889), formerly Joseph de Veuster, and fondly called St. Damien of Molokai. (In Hawaii this is an Obligatory Memorial.) He was a Belgian missionary of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of…

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