Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Vera Cruz (VERAE CRUCIS or JALAPENSIS). Diocese of the Mexican Republic, suffragan of the Archbishopric of Mexico. Its area covers all the State of Vera Cruz with the exception of one or two parishes in the northern part which belong to Tamaulipas, one in the western part which belongs to the Diocese of Tulancingo and … Continue reading “Vera Cruz”

Veochia, Pietro a Venetian painter, was born in 1605. He was educated in the school of Alessandro Varotari (q.v.), but did not follow the style of that master. He studied to imitate the works of Giorgione and Pordenone, and acquired such skill in this direction that his paintings have been mistaken for the productions of … Continue reading “Veochia, Pietro”

Venusti, Raffaele (VENOSTA.) Born at Tirano, Valtellina, northern Italy, about the end of the fifteenth century; died at Venice, in 1543; he joined the Canons Regular of SS. Salvatore, devoting himself to theological and canonical studies, and winning fame as a powerful Catholic controversialist against the Lutherans and Calvinists. When the discussion concerning the divorce … Continue reading “Venusti, Raffaele”

Venusti, Marcello an Italian painter, was born at Mantua in 1515. He studied under Pierino del Vaga in his native city, and afterwards went to Rome, where he entered into the service of Michael Angelo, from whom he received instruction. He, imitated the style of that great master with excellent success, and executed many of … Continue reading “Venusti, Marcello”

Venus the goddess of (sexual) love among the Romans, corresponding to Aphrodite among the Greeks, and in later times confounded with the Oriental deities represented by Mylitta, Ashtoreth (q.v.),etc. The popular myths concerning her origin are various. By some she is represented as the daughter of Jupiter and Dione, but she was poetically said to … Continue reading “Venus (2)”

Venturino of Bergamo Preacher, b. at Bergamo, 9 April, 1304; d. at Smyrna, 28 March, 1346. He received the habit of the Order of Friars Preachers at the convent of St. Stephen, Bergamo, 22 January, 1319. From 1328 to 1335 he won fame preaching in all the cities of upper Italy. In February, 1335, he … Continue reading “Venturino of Bergamo”

Venturini, Karl a Protestant theologian of Germany and doctor of philosophy, was born at Brunswick, Jan. 30, 1771, and died in 1849. He is the author of, Geist der kritischen Philosophie in Beziehung auf Moral u. Religion (Altona, 1796- 97 ): Natiirliche Geschichte des grossen Propheten von Nazareth (1800-2, 3 pts.): Nachtrag dazu (Copenhagen, 1802): … Continue reading “Venturini, Karl”

Venturini, Gasparo a painter of Ferrara, flourished about 1594. He first studied under Domenico Mona, and then went to Genoa, where he became the disciple of Bernardo Castelli. He executed some works for the churches, but wrought mostly for individuals. See Spooner, Biog. Hist. of the Fine Arts, s.v. Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and … Continue reading “Venturini, Gasparo”

Ventura, Gioacchino an Italian philosopher of the scholastic type, was born at Palermo, Dec. 8, 1792. He early became a member of the Order of Theatines, of which he was soon elected superior-general, and held a high position in the Church. He was a prominent supporter of the reforms inaugurated by Pius IX, and a … Continue reading “Ventura, Gioacchino”

Ventura di Raulica, Gioacchino Italian pulpit orator, patriot, phyilosopher, b. at Palermo, 8 Dec., 1792; d. at Versailles, 2 Aug., 1861. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1808, and in 1817, when the Society was suppressed in Sicily, joined the Theatines. Ordained a priest, he distinguished himself as a Catholic journalist and apologist, as … Continue reading “Ventura di Raulica, Gioacchino”