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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OCCULT

That which is hidden from most people but known to certain initiates. Also applied in ecclesiastical law to those facts or human acts that are not publicly known but only in private or in the forum of conscience. Such would be hidden impediments to marriage or sacred orders. Canon law makes special provisions for such cases. (Etym. Latin occultus, hidden, concealed, secret; from occulere, to cover over, conceal.)