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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LANCE, THE HOLY
The instrument used to pierce the side of Christ after his death on the Cross. Said to have been found by St. Helena at Jerusalem. The broken point was brought to Constantinople and in 1241 to Paris, where it disappeared during the French Revolution. The lower, larger section was carried to Constantinople before 900 and in 1492 to Rome, where it is still preserved at St. Peter's.
