Index of Catholic Terminology

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V

Validity: Legal efficacy. Laws affecting the validity of a legal act must be observed for the act to be juridically recognized as effective.

Vatican Congregation: A Vatican body that is responsible for an important area in the life of the Church, such as worship and sacraments, the clergy, and of saints causes.

Vatican Councils: Councils of all bishops of the Church called by the Pope. These councils usually are called to discuss specific matters of interest to the Church.

Vatican Council II: 1962-1965, an ecumenical council whose aim was to renew the Church. See Second Vatican Council.

Viaticum:Holy Communion given to a person who is dying. The word means; provision for a journey, namely the journey through death to life in the world to come.

Virgin Birth:The doctrine that Mary remained a virgin both before and after the birth of Jesus, her son. This doctrine preserves the truth that Jesus was born both God and man. He was "conceived by the Holy Spirit" ,meaning that his origin is wholly from God; he was "born of the virgin Mary", meaning that he is fully human.

Vocation:The calling to a life of love, service and holiness which is addressed to all Christians. The word is also used in a more common sense to refer to the calling to the Priesthood or religious life.

Vows: 1)Solemn promises of poverty, chastity and obedience which are made to God by members of religious orders. They can be temporary or perpetual, (binding for life). 2) A promise made to God with sufficient knowledge and freedom, which has as its object a moral good that is possible and better than its voluntary omission.

Vatican:The official residence of the Pope in Pope. It also refers to the central government of the Church.

Vatican Museums: Buildings in Vatican City which contain priceless treasures of art from all ages.

Venial Sin: A sin which is not so serious that it requires the sacrament of penance for its forgiveness.

Vernacular: The ordinary language of the people.

Vespers:The evening prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office). See Evening Prayer.

Vestments:Garments worn by Ministers of the Church when celebrating Mass or administering the sacraments. These include the alb- a long white tunic worn by all ministers; the chasuble-the main outer-garment worn by the Priest when celebrating Mass; the stole-a type of scarf worn around the neck. It is worn by all Clergy when administering the sacraments as well as for Mass.

Vestibule: Foyer and entrance to a church.

Viaticum: The Sacrament of the Eucharist received by a dying person. See Anointing.

Vicar: An ecclesiastic representing the pope or bishop, a deputy.

Vicar General: A priest or bishop appointed by diocese to act as his deputy in the diocesan administration.

Vicar of Christ: A title for the Pope

Vicarious power: Ordinary power of governance that is exercised in the name of another, e.g.. The power of a vicar general or judicial vicar exercised in the name of the diocesan bishop. (Can. 131) .

Vicariat: The office or authority of a vicar.

Virgin: A woman who consecrates her virginity to God and dedicates herself to the service of the Church in accord with a special liturgical rite presided over by the diocesan bishop. (Can. 604)

Virgin Birth: The Church dogma or belief that Jesus, the Son of God, was born of only one human Parent, Mary, and that she did not lose her virginity.

Visitation: The official visit of a diocesan bishop, major superior, or other official to institutions and persons subject to them at the time and in the manner prescribed by law. (Cans. 396-98; 436; 628-,683; 806; 1301,52).

Vow: A deliberate and free promise made to God concerning a possible or better good and which must be fulfilled in virtue of religion. (Can. 1191).

Vulgate: The Latin translation of the Bible Made by Saint Jerome.