Skip to main content Arianism Heresy opposed by Columbanus in Italy among the Lombards. 78 Immaculate Conception Marian privilege and central dogma structuring the identity of the congregation. 10 Simony Buying or selling of spiritual goods, a major struggle of the saint. 10 Pelagianism Heresy opposed by Boniface I and Saint Augustine. 10 Eucharist Central sacrament for which Ambrose defends the real presence. 9 Iconoclasm Religious movement rejecting the veneration of images, which caused the persecution of the two saints. 8 Incarnation Central mystery of Bérullian theology. 8 Stigmata Mystical marks of the Passion of Christ received by the saint. 7 Monothelitism Christological heresy supported by Constans II. 7 Jansenism A theological movement to which the canons of Saint-Ruf remained opposed. 7 Rule of Saint Benedict Monastic rule adopted during the reform of Lambert. 5 Cephalophory Hagiographic phenomenon in which a decapitated martyr carries their own head. 5 Origenism Set of doctrines attributed to Origen, opposed by Barsanuphius. 5 Nestorianism A Christian heresy that spread within the churches of India. 5 Purgatory State of post-mortem purification central to commemoration. 4 Incorruptibility Miraculous phenomenon observed on a body after death. 4 Rule of Saint Columbanus Ancient rule followed by the monastery before the Benedictine reform. 4 Gregorian chant Liturgical tradition carefully maintained by the Pope. 4 Donatism African schism vigorously opposed by Augustine. 3 Montanism Heterodox movement based on new prophecies and rigorous asceticism. 3 Holy Name of Jesus A central devotion in the preaching of Bernardino. 3 Incorruptibility The state of a saint's body found intact upon the opening of the tomb. 3 Holy Trinity Central concept symbolized by the three windows of the tower. 3 Semi-Pelagianism Theological doctrine opposed by Cyprian at the Council of Valence. 3 Investiture Controversy Conflict between the Church and the Empire in which Geoffrey participated at the Council of Vienne. 3 Manichaeism A sect whose books were burned by Gelasius. 3 Filioque Theological controversy regarding the procession of the Holy Spirit. 3 Eutychianism Heresy condemned at the Council of Orléans. 3 Trinity Theological concept used by the saint for healings. 3 Laus perennis Perpetual praise organized by Columbanus at Luxeuil. 3 Rosary Marian meditative prayer promoted by the saint. 2 Holy Face Central object of the devotion and reparation requested by Christ. 2 Heart of Mary Central devotion promoted by the saint. 2 Holy Rosary A central devotion in the conversion and spiritual life of Margaret. 2 Perpetual Adoration A central practice of the institute consisting of honoring the Eucharist without interruption. 2 Predestination Central theological debate concerning salvation and the divine will. 2 Stylite A form of asceticism consisting of living on top of a pillar. 2 Baptism of heretics Theological debate concerning the validity of baptism administered outside the Church. 2 Vow of virginity Commitment of perpetual chastity made by Mary. 2 Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion to the heart of Christ, linked to that of the Holy Face. 2 Epilepsy Disease against which the saint is invoked. 2 Theotokos Greek term affirming the divine motherhood of Mary, central to the work of Pulchronius. 2 Easter Point of liturgical divergence between the Scots/Bretons and the Catholic Church. 2 Easter controversy Dispute over the date of the celebration of Easter between Rome and Asia. 2 Truce of God Suspension of hostilities imposed by the Church. 2 Adoptionism Christological heresy asserting that Jesus is the Son of God only by adoption. 2 Pallium Honorific insignia granted exceptionally to the Bishop of Le Puy. 2 Mal des ardents Epidemic from which the inhabitants of Beauvais were preserved through the saint's intercession. 2 Jupiter Pagan deity whose statue is rejected by the saint. 2 Ecstasy A mystical phenomenon frequent in the saint's life. 1 Heavenly Jerusalem The eternal dwelling place of the saints and angels. 1 Original sin The state of fallen humanity from which Mary is preserved. 1 Epiphany Feast celebrating the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi, his baptism, and the miracle at Cana. 1 Ordeal by fire An ordeal consisting of walking through flames to prove the truth. 1 Precursor Title given to John the Baptist because he prepares the coming of Christ. 1 Collects Christian liturgical assemblies prohibited by imperial edicts. 1 Kyrie eleison Greek liturgical prayer that constitutes the sole invocation of the saint. 1 Prayer Central activity and theme of the saint's spiritual teaching. 1 Catharism Dualist religious movement opposed by the saint. 1 Holy Childhood of Jesus Central devotion of Marguerite's mystical life. 1 Two natures of Christ Doctrine of the hypostatic union defended by Leo. 1 Divine Motherhood Dogma proclaiming Mary as Theotokos. 1 O Antiphons Liturgical chants beginning with 'O' that invoke eternal Wisdom. 1 Conjugal virginity The vow to live chastely within marriage, a pillar of Elzéar's sanctity. 1 The Two Lovers Popular nickname given to the two spouses due to the union of their graves. 1 Way of the Cross Major devotion propagated by the saint through his missions. 1 Work of Reparation Spiritual institution aimed at making reparation for blasphemies and profanations. 1 Mozarabic Rite Liturgical rite specific to the Iberian Peninsula. 1 Illuminated Doctor Honorific title highlighting the depth of his knowledge and inspiration. 1 Semipelagianism Doctrine concerning grace and free will opposed by Fulgentius. 1 Portiuncula Indulgence Spiritual grace granted to pilgrims visiting the church on August 2nd. 1 Baptism of repentance Baptism preached by John as a sign of conversion and preparation for the Kingdom. 1 Rule of Saint Basil Monastic rule followed by Nilus and his community. 1 Divinity of the Holy Spirit Theological dogma supported by the testimony of Athenogenes. 1 Protestantism Religious movement against which Bellarmine struggled through his writings. 1 Seventy-two disciples Group of disciples sent by Jesus on a mission. 1 Right of mainmorte Seignorial right allowing the bishop to seize the most valuable asset of a deceased person. 1 Gnostics Heretics claiming to possess superior knowledge, opposed by Sixtus I. 1 Baptism of blood Theological concept in which martyrdom serves as a substitute for the sacrament of water. 1 Donatists Christian schismatic movement in North Africa. 1 Two natures in Jesus Christ Christological dogma defended by Agapetus against monophysitism. 1 Star of the Sea Symbolic and etymological interpretation of the name of Mary. 1 Humility A virtue favored by Poemen, considered the foundation of all virtues. 1 Veneration of holy images Theological practice defended by the saint against iconoclasm. 1 Chastity A central virtue of Malc's life, preserved despite a forced marriage. 1 Albigensian Religious movement opposed to the Catholic Church in the south of France. 1 Alchemy Esoteric science taught by Satan to Egidius. 1 Pater Noster Central prayer in Angela's mystical experience. 1 Seal of the Confessional The obligation of absolute silence regarding confessed sins. 1 Charitas Motto and coat of arms of the Order of Minims revealed by the Archangel Michael. 1 Plainchant Liturgical music reformed by Leo II. 1 Virginity Theological concept preached by Onesimus, the cause of Tertullus's anger. 1 Patronage of the vine Spiritual attribution of Saint Urban linked to the agricultural calendar. 1 Dragon of Saint Pavace Monstrous creature defeated by the saint, a central element of his iconography. 1 Hussites Religious movement considered heretical that the saint fought in Moravia. 1 Psalter Book of Psalms, the origin of the saint's name. 1 Vow of perpetual virginity Spiritual commitment to chastity made by Agnes. 1 Tree of Amastris Tree venerated by the pagans of Amastris, felled by Hyacinth. 1 Eutychians Heretics who denied the two natures of Christ. 1 Agnus Dei Liturgical chant introduced into the Mass by Sergius I. 1 IXTHYS Ancient Christian symbol representing Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. 1 Beatitudes Teachings from the Gospel outlining the path to holiness. 1 Lapsi Christians who failed during the persecutions by surrendering sacred objects. 1 Passion of Jesus Christ Central theme of the saint's meditation and preaching. 1 Questor Religious role consisting of soliciting alms for the community. 1 Heart of Jesus Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 1 Our Lady of the Well Specific Marian devotion introduced by the saint to the convent. 1 Quadragesimal life A vow of perpetual penance and abstinence imitating Lent. 1 Apostasy The act of renouncing one's faith, a central moment in the life of Anthony. 1 Lineage of David Jewish royal lineage sought and persecuted by the Roman emperors. 1 Mystical marriage Hagiographic theme of the spiritual union between a saint and Christ. 1 Gnostic Name given by Clement to the true, accomplished Christian. 1 Saint Elmo's Fire Atmospheric electrical phenomenon associated with the saint by sailors. 1 Acephali Monophysite heretical sects divided over the corruptibility of the body of Christ. 1 Gift of prophecy Spiritual capacity attributed to John by divine grace. 1 Cathars Heretical group that Galdinus strove to destroy in Lombardy. 1 Dragon Allegorical symbol of the demon defeated by the saint. 1 May Bread Charitable food distribution institution established by the saint. 1 Saint Nicholas Breads Tradition of blessing breads in memory of the saint's miraculous healing. 1 Encratism Doctrine advocating excessive austerity, opposed by the saint. 1 Albigensian heresy Dissident religious movement opposed by Anthony in France. 1 Sun worship Religious practice imposed by Persian authorities and refused by Christian martyrs. 1 Podagra Physical affliction for which Saint Stapin is invoked. 1 Ghibellines Italian political faction supporting the Emperor. 1 Monophysitism Heresy teaching that there is only one nature in Jesus Christ. 1 Gnosticism The principal heretical movement opposed by the saint. 1 Cancer Disease from which the saint suffered and for which she is invoked. 1 Reparatory victim Theological concept of sacrificing oneself to make reparation for offenses committed against God. 1 Nicolaitans Heresy that re-emerged in Umbria in the 13th century. 1 Nazarenes Heretical sect denying the divinity of Jesus Christ. 1 Ebionites A heretical sect advocating for divorce and infamous practices. 1 Transverberation A mystical phenomenon in which the heart of a saint is pierced by a seraphic dart. 1 Trisagion Liturgical hymn whose use by the people was regulated by Sixtus I. 1 Schism of the Three Chapters Theological controversy to which Agrestius adhered in Aquileia. 1 Pardon of Blessed Clare A special indulgence obtained by the saint for her church. 1 Fourth vow Specific vow of the Passionists to promote the memory of the Passion of Christ. 1 Falling sickness A disease suffered by Amadeus, experienced as a spiritual trial. 1 Virginal chastity in marriage Central hagiographical concept explaining the title of virgin for a married woman. 1 Anargyroi Greek epithet designating those who practice medicine without receiving payment. 1 Rogations Liturgical prayers instituted by Faustus of Riez. 1 Sabellianism Heresy concerning the Trinity opposed by the saint. 1 Children of God Designation for the descendants of Seth to distinguish them from the lineage of Cain. 1 Proconsular Acts Official documents of the Roman tribunal serving as the historical basis for the narrative. 1 Theophorus Surname of Ignatius meaning 'God-bearer'. 1 Prima sedes a nemine judicatur Ecclesiological principle affirming the judicial immunity of the Pope. 1 Divine Shepherdess A Marian title particularly dear to Émilie. 1 Paganism Polytheistic beliefs persisting in the countryside of the 6th century. 1 Sacramentarians Heresy denying the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. 1 Cilice Instrument of penance worn by Bernard. 1 Predestinations Theological doctrine condemned at the Council of Arles. 1 Forty Hours A pious practice of Eucharistic adoration introduced by the saint. 1 Hypapante Greek term meaning 'Meeting', designating the feast in the East. 1 The Respite Spiritual delay granted to those bitten before the pilgrimage. 1 Manichaeans Medieval heretics opposed by the saint's writings. 1 Emmanuel Prophetic name of the Messiah meaning 'God with us'. 1 Petite-Église Schismatic movement opposed to the Concordat of 1801. 1 Angelus Prayer recited three times a day in memory of the Incarnation. 1 Great Western Schism Period of crisis in the Church mentioned as context for the saint's trials. 1 Our Lady of Hope Title under which the Virgin Mary is honored at Pontmain. 1 Prône Popular religious instruction whose institution is attributed to Saint Romanus. 1 Arian heresy Theological movement opposed to Catholicism, dominant in Embrun during the saint's youth. 1 Privilege of Poverty Canonical right to possess nothing, central to the Rule of Clare. 1 Baal Pagan deity whose priests oppose Micaiah. 1 Ten Commandments Fundamental laws given by God to Moses. 1 Pre-existence of souls Doctrine positing that souls exist prior to their union with the body. 1 Last Judgment Theological concept guiding Arnoul's moral conduct. 1 Libellatici Christians who purchased certificates of sacrifice to escape persecution. 1 Incarnation of the Word Christological dogma defended by Pope Leo and supported by Constantine. 1 Sadducees A heresy denying the resurrection of the dead, refuted by the miracle of the Sleepers. 1 Divinities of the Empire Objects of the pagan cult imposed by Flaccus. 1 Power of the Keys Supreme spiritual authority entrusted by Christ to Peter. 1 Gloria in excelsis Liturgical hymn which Pope Symmachus ordered to be sung at Mass on Sundays and feast days. 1 Amma Honorific title for a spiritual mother in Eastern monasticism. 1 Realism Philosophical doctrine taught by Odo. 1 Cult of Cybele Local pagan cult opposed by Simplicius. 1 Consubstantial Theological term affirming the unity of nature between the Father and the Son. 1 Apostles' Creed Christian profession of faith to which the Apostles are said to have contributed. 1 Ichthus A central Christological and Eucharistic symbol in ancient inscriptions. 1 Monetary official Important civil office held by Eptadius before his religious life. 1 Fourteen Holy Helpers A group of saints particularly invoked for their efficacy. 1 Instruments of the Passion Symbolic objects carried by the Virgin on her crucifix. 1 Hagiography of the dragon Symbol of the saint's victory over paganism or evil. 1 Portiuncula Franciscan feast associated with the plenary indulgence. 1 Saint Vitus Dance Medical condition for which the saint is the patron. 1 Beheading Liturgical term designating the death of John the Baptist by decapitation. 1 Sabbatine Privilege Privilege of deliverance from purgatory on the Saturday following death. 1 La Taille A rite of frontal incision to insert a fragment of a stole as a remedy for rabies. 1 Judaism Religion that some early Christians considered mandatory before baptism. 1 Our Lady of Remedy Marian title promoted by Felix for the healing of ailments. 1 Apopetes Name given to the first women who served priests out of charity. 1 Passion of Christ The sufferings of Jesus Christ with which the martyr associates himself. 1 Ambrosian Rite Liturgical rite proper to the Church of Milan. 1 Procession of the Holy Spirit A point of doctrine at the heart of the conflict between Cyril and Patriarch Theodosius. 1 Seven-headed hydra Iconographic attribute of Saint Germain symbolizing tamed evil. 1 Ecce Agnus Dei Latin formula meaning "Behold the Lamb of God," traditionally associated with the testimony of John. 1 Apocatastasis The theory of the final restoration of all creatures in God. 1 Cybele Pagan goddess whose cult led to the arrest of Symphorian. 1 Saracens Group targeted by efforts of conversion and philosophical refutation. 1 Semi-Pelagians Theological movement opposed by Prosper of Aquitaine. 1 Right of asylum Ecclesiastical privilege protecting fugitives in sacred places. 1 Millenarianism Heterodox doctrine into which Sulpicius Severus briefly fell. 1 Priscillianism Heretical movement in Spain and southern Gaul. 1 Saint Anthony's Fire Epidemic disease treated by the Antonines. 1 Gallican Rite Ancient liturgy used in France before the Carolingian reform. 1 Lady Poverty Franciscan expression that personifies voluntary poverty as a spiritual ideal. 1 Myroblytes Saints whose tomb produces a miraculous oil or balm. 1 Docetists Heretics who denied the reality of Christ's passion. 1 Bacon Topical or Gaulish deity honored at Chalon. 1 Sibyls Pagan prophetesses cited to confirm Christian doctrine. 1 Ember Days Fast Liturgical decree attributed to Callixtus I. 1 Marcionism Heresy opposed by Abercius in the East. 1 Back to themes