Defining Moments February 2007

B

Beatitude of Heaven: The perfect happiness resulting from the direct vision of God which the blessed enjoy in heaven. Gifts obtained on earth through nature and grace will be enhanced and remain in heaven. The degree of beatitude that each person experiences will be determined by one’s “merit” and will differ accordingly.

 Benignity: One of the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit, benignity (from bonus ignis, “good fire”) is fervent love in doing good for others.

Brotherhood of Man: According to the Christian Faith, all men and women are created equal, in being, dignity, and destiny, and are called to true brotherhood in Christ as adopted sons and daughters of the Father. This spiritual and supernatural brotherhood has as its natural basis the identical biological species of all human beings of all races.

Brotherly Love: Christ commands us to love all other human beings as our brothers and sisters, precisely because in Him, all are united in one family of God.

Definitions from Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Dictionary, Revised by Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas.  Click here to order.