The Rise of the Church and Monastic Life

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary and concepts relating to the rise of the Church, monastic life, and the process of canonization.

Monasticism

A religious way of life where members live in seclusion, take vows, and follow a set rule, characterized by asceticism, simplicity, and chastity.

Canonization

The formal process carried out by the Catholic Church of declaring a deceased person a saint and worthy of universal veneration.

Pope

The successor of Peter, bishop of Rome, keeper of the keys, head of the Universal Church, and vicar of Christ.

Patriarch

Bishops of one of the five episcopal sees (Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, Alexandria, and the Latin patriarchate of Rome) with the Pope being acknowledged as the principal patriarch.

Sanctification

The process by which individuals are made holy, recognized in three stages: in the sacraments, in our response of faith, and in heaven.

Relics

The physical remains or personal effects of saints, venerated in the Catholic Church.

Heroic Virtue

A title given to a person confirmed by the Church during the canonization process indicating a life of exemplary virtue.

Blessed

The title given to a person who has been confirmed to have lived a life of heroic virtue and has had at least one miracle attributed to them before being canonized.

Sainthood

The status of being recognized by the Church as a saint, typically achieved through the process of canonization.

The Bride of Christ

A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the Church, illustrating its sacred relationship with Him.