Religion

Wisdom

The ability to see things from God’s perspective, prioritizing what truly matters and distinguishing right from wrong.

Understanding

Deepens insight into the mysteries of faith, allowing believers to comprehend the meaning of God's message.

Counsel

Guides the conscience to make wise decisions, seeking God's will in difficult situations.

Fortitude

Strengthens the will to overcome fear, endure hardships, and stand firm in faith.

Knowledge

Provides the ability to recognize truth from falsehood, understanding God's creation and His purpose in life.

Piety

Cultivates a deep respect, love, and affection for God, leading to heartfelt worship and devotion.

Fear of the Lord

Instills a profound respect for God’s grandeur and majesty, not out of servile fear, but a desire not to offend Him.

Pentecost

The fiftieth day following Easter, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and disciples

Gentile

A non-Jewish person. In Sacred Scripture, the Gentiles were the uncircumcised, those who did not honor the God of the Torah. Saint Paul and other evangelists reached out to the Gentiles, baptizing them into the family of God.

Martyr

A person who voluntarily suffers death because of his or her beliefs. The Church has canonized many martyrs as saints

Circumcision

The act, required by Jewish Law, of removing the foreskin of the male genitals. Since the time of Abraham, it has been a sign of God’s covenant relationship with the Jewish People.

Idolatry

The worship of other beings, creatures, or material goods in a way that is fitting for God alone

Sanctify

To purify or make holy.

Charism

A special grace of the Holy Spirit given to an individual Christian or community, for the benefit and building up of the entire Church.

Religious communities

A group of men or women religious who are joined by a common charism

Pope

A title used by the Bishop of Rome, who is the successor of Saint Peter and shep-herd of the Universal Church.

Bishop

One who has received the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders and is a successor to the Apostles.

Diocese

Also known as a “particular” or “local” Church, the regional community of believers, who commonly gather in parishes, under the leadership of a bishop. At times, a diocese is determined not on the basis of geography but on the basis of language or rite.

Apostolic exhortation

One of several types of documents that are written by the Pope. Its purpose is not to define doctrine, but to encourage people in some aspect of living the faith.

synod

A group of bishops from around the world who, at the Pope’s invitation, gather in Rome to discuss with him matters of concern to the Universal Church.