The Externals of the Catholic Church

Ever wonder why Catholics do the things they do? Ever wonder just why a Catholic is different from others in their Church and their worship? This book from last century goes into detail about the structure of the Catholic church, the relation of Pope, Bishops and Cardinals. Then a discussion of the religious orders, monasteries and convents. The ceremonies of the various Sacraments are carefully explained. This is followed by the Sacramentals of the Church, such as the Sign of the Cross, Palms, Incense and Religious Medals. The three major liturgical books used by priests, the Missal, Breviary and Ritual are described. This is followed by a section covering miscellaneous subjects, such as the marriage laws of the Church, fasting and abstinence. "From Apostolic times Friday has been a day of abstinence, and the reason is obvious to every Christian. Our Blessed Redeemer died on that day for our sins,..." This is the reason Catholics are 'fish-eaters'.