Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Ad Sanctam Beati Petri Sedem This letter was issued by Alexander VII, and is dated at Rome, 16 October, 1656, the second year of his pontificate. It is a confirmation of the Constitution of Innocent X, by which he condemned five propositions taken from the work entitled Augustinus of Cornelius Jansenius, Bishop of Ypres. The … Continue reading “Ad Sanctam Beati Petri Sedem”

Ad regias Agni dapes Hymn for Vespers from Low Sunday to Ascension Day; Ambrosian school, 7th century. There are about 30 translations; the English title given is by R. Campbell. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary

ad metalla (Latin: to the mines or quarries) Sentence passed on Christians condemned to hard labor in mines or quarries. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam = Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the greater glory of God) Motto of the Society of Jesus, glory meaning the greatest service possible. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary

Ad Limina Visit (Sc. Apostolorum) The visit ad limina means, technically, the obligation incumbent on certain members of the hierarchy of visiting, at stated times, the “thresholds of the Apostles”, Sts. Peter and Paul, and of presenting themselves before the pope to give an account of the state of their dioceses. The object of the … Continue reading “Ad Limina Visit”

ad limina apostolorum (Latin: to the thresholds of the Apostles) A pilgrimage to the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, canonieally required of all bishops every three to ten years, according to their distance from Rome. There they venerate the Apostles and render an account of their dioceses to the pope. A delegate may fulfill … Continue reading “Ad Limina Apostolorum”

ad libitum (Latin: at one’s pleasure, choice) Used in the order for the Divine Office when there is a choice of prayer at Mass. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary

Ad hoc A dubious assumption or argument arbitrarily introduced as explanation after the fact. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

ad bestias (Latin: to the beasts) The sentence, passed on Christians destined to be mangled by beasts in the amphitheaters. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary

Ad Apostolicae Dignitatis Apicem Apostolic letter issued against Emperor Frederick II by Pope Innocent IV (1243-54), during the Council of Lyons, 17 July, 1245, the third year of his pontificate. The letter sets forth that Innocent, desiring to have peace restored to those parts which were then distracted by dissensions, sent for that purpose three … Continue reading “Ad Apostolicae Dignitatis Apicem”