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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Madonna
Italian: 'My Lady'. A title sometimes used for Mary, espcially in art (e.g The Madonna and Child).
Manse
The normal residence of a minister.
Martyr
From the Greek: 'a witness'. This is someone who has sacrificed their life for a moral cause or religious belief. In Christianity, the first martyr was St. Stephen (Acts 7).
Mennonite and Amish Churches
See the entry under Protestant denominations.
Methodism
See the entry under Protestant denominations.
Missal
In Roman Catholicism, a service book giving the words and instructions used in the Mass.
Monotheism
The belief that there is only one God. Christianity is a monotheistic religion.
Monsignor
A title of honour given to some priests and Bishops in the Roman Catholic church.
Monstrance
Also sometimes known as the ostensorium. In Roman Catholicism, an ornament in which a consecrated Host is displayed for adoration. Please also see the entry under Eucharist.
Mortal Sin
The most serious of the two categories of sin in Roman Catholic belief (the other is Venial sin). For a sin to be mortal, it must be committed with full knowledge and consent, and must also concern a 'grave matter'. An unrepented mortal sin can lead to damnation. Usually forgiveness of this type of sin is obtained through the Sacrament of Penance.
