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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PORTER

Formerly one of the minor orders, the lowest in rank. Also called "door-keeper," it was a symbolic office that in the early Church had a functional purpose. The order was abolished by Pope Paul VI in 1972, but the office may be conferred as a special ministry, with the permission of the Holy See, if an episcopal conference decides that it would be useful or necessary for their own territory.