Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Venice Venice, the capital of a province in Northern Italy, is formed of a group of 117 small islands joined together by 378 bridges mostly built of stone. These islands are partly natural, partly artificial, constructed by means of piles driven into the bottom of the shallow sea, as all the houses of the city … Continue reading “Venice”

Venial Sin is a sin which, according to the theology invented by the schoolmen and adopted by the Church of Rome, does not bring spiritual death, or does not turn it away from its ultimate end. As a violation of the law of God, such a sin is somewhat subversive of its true end; nevertheless, … Continue reading “Venial Sin”

Venia (favor) is an ancient term, signifying a monastic token of reverence, respect, or greeting, with which strangers and dignitaries were received on visiting the monastery. Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Veni Sancte Spiritus Reple A prose invocation of the Holy Ghost. The Alleluia following the Epistle of Whitsunday comprises two parts: (1) a chant in the fourth tone: “Alleluia, alleluia. V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur; et renovabis faciem terræ” (Ps. ciii, 30, Vulgate edition, with change of “emittes” into “emitte”); (2) a chant in … Continue reading “Veni Sancte Spiritus Reple”

Veni Sancte Spiritus Et Emitte Coelitus The sequence for Pentecost (the “Golden Sequence”). It is sung at Mass from Whitsunday until the following Saturday inclusively, and comprises ten stanzas of the form: Veni, Sancte Spiritus, Et emitte coelitus Lucis tuae radium. Some hymnologists bind two such stanzas into one, doubtless in order to complete the … Continue reading “Veni Sancte Spiritus Et Emitte Coelitus”

Veni Sancte Spiritus Sequence for the feast of Pentecost and throughout the octave. It was probably written by Pope Innocent III (1161-1216). About 40 translations are in existence. The English title given is by J Austin; the fourth verse reads: Lord, wash our sinful stains away, Refresh from heaven our barren clay, Our wounds and … Continue reading “Veni, Sancte Spiritus”

Veni, Redemptor Gentium (Come, Redeemer of the nations), is the beginning of the famous Advent hymn written by St. Ambrose. It is the best of the Ambrosian hymns, full of faith, rugged vigor, austere simplicity, and bold contrasts. The German hymnbook is indebted to this immortal hymn of St. Ambrose for one of its choicest … Continue reading “Veni, Redemptor Gentium”

Veni Creator Spiritus The “most famous of hymns” (Frere), is assigned in the Roman Breviary to Vespers (I and II) and Terce of Pentecost and throughout the octave. The Church also sings it at such solemn functions as the election of popes, the consecration of bishops, the ordination of priests, the dedication of churches, the … Continue reading “Veni, Creator Spiritus”

VENGEANCE In Deu 32:35 1Ch 12:19 Heb 10:30 Jud 1:7, means retributive justice- a prerogative of God with which those interfere who seek to avenge themselves. So also in Mal 28:4 ; though many suppose that the islanders meant the goddess of justice, Dike, whom the Greeks and Romans regarded as a daughter of Jupiter, … Continue reading “Vengeance”

Venezuela A republic formed out of the provinces which, under Spanish rule, constituted the captaincy general of the same name. This republic has an area of 280,918 square miles, lying between the meridians of 62° and 73° W. longitude, and between 1° 8′ and 12° 16′ N. latitude. Its surface is distributed as follows: mountain … Continue reading “Venezuela”