Catholic Dictionary

November 1, 2013

Father Hardon's (theology, Loyola, Chicago) Modern Catholic Dictionary was originally published in 1980 to wide acclaim. Fans of this long-out-of-print title will be happy to learn of this updated and abridged edition. The new volume contains more than 2,000 alphabetically arranged entries covering the Bible, history, doctrine, prayers, devotions, and personages. The cross-referenced entries are easily accessible. Updates have statements by Pope Benedict VI and Pope John Paul II and definitions on recent developments in Catholicism. Entries that include additional information along with the definition or explanation will be especially useful to readers. For example, "Ecumenical Councils" offers a definition, a list of all councils, and the dates and major objectives of each one; "Fathers of the Church" consists of an explanation and lists of the Latin and Greek fathers with dates. Among the additional helpful features are etymologies of select terms, a "Guide to the Use of the Dictionary," a list of popes, and the text of the letter "The Credo of the People of God," written by Pope Paul VI and also used by Pope John Paul II. VERDICT The continued success of this title is ensured as it is clearly written and well researched and covers a broad subject matter. Entries supplement what is available in similar works such as Scott Hahn's Catholic Bible Dictionary. An excellent resource for academic, seminary, and large public libraries as well as parish libraries for study classes.--Jacqueline Parascandola, Columbia Univ. Libs., New York

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