Defining Moments "P"

Pacifism: The belief that all war is immoral and contrary to the example and words of Our Lord. Pacifists contend that no war is ever upright because it cannot be waged without an inner hatred. Catholic moral theology seeks to foster peace without counseling pacifism.

Paraclete: The Holy Spirit. St. John employs this title, which is also translated as “Counselor,” “Comforter” or “Consoler.” The Paraclete will continue the saving work of Christ until His second coming.

Parenthood: The task that derives from the vocation of marriage in which husband and wife become father and mother. Parents are to love their children, providing for their human needs as well as their spiritual needs; hence, parents are “first teachers” in the ways of the true faith. As Pope John Paul II wrote, the family is the “domestic church.”

Parousia: The Second Coming of Christ to earth, foretold by Jesus himself, by St. Paul, and in several passages in the New Testament. The parousia will happen swiftly and will introduce the General Judgement.

Patience: The virtue, connected to the cardinal virtue of fortitude, that enables one to endure suffering for love of God and neighbor. Patience allows one to grow in and respond to charity.

Pax: (Latin: peace) The exchange of a sign of peace between those attending Mass. This gesture has ancient origins, going back as far as the second century. 

Peace: The condition of the heart and mind, within the very spirit, of one who is renewed and justified in Christ. This interior peace is the basis of all external peace within families, the community, society and the world. Peace accompanies righteousness, grace, mercy, love, joy and life.

Petition: One of the four purposes of prayer. In prayers of petition, persons ask of God the blessings they and others need.

Piety: One of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which enables one to practice reverence for parents and country. When piety is operative, one reveres other persons because of their connection to God.

Poor and Needy: Those who are oppressed because of the lack of bodily necessities. The Church continues, as always, to assist the poor in their plight by appealing to the generosity of the faithful.

Poor Box: Sometimes called the alms-box, a slotted box to collect alms for the needy; found in churches from the earliest days of Christianity.

Source: OSV Catholic Dictionary»