Charles François d'Abra de Raconis
Physical Effects of Abstinence
Acacius, Patriarch of Constantinople
Diocese of Ascoli, Satriano, and Cirignola
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Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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François Hédelin, Abbé d'Aubignac
Teaching of St. Augustine of Hippo
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Pierre du Bois, Baron d'Avaugour
John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, Baron Acton
Ad Apostolicae Dignitatis Apicem
Adam in Early Christian Liturgy and Literature
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Advocates of Roman Congregations
Charles Constance César Joseph Matthieu d'Agoult
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa of Nettesheim
Michael and Nicetas Akominatos
Bl. Albert Berdini of Sarteano
Diocese of Alessandria della Paglia
Alpha and Omega (in Jewish Theology)
History of the Christian Altar
Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alva
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Pre-Columbian Discovery of America
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Bl. Angelo Carletti di Chivasso
Early Christian Representations of Angels
College and Church of the Anima (in Rome)
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Anselm of Lucca, the Younger
Antiphon (in the Greek Church)
Vicariate Apostolic of Antofogaste
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Apostolic Union of Secular Priests
Diocese of Aquino, Sora, and Pontecorvo
Prefecture Apostolic of Araucania
Commission of Sacred Archæology
Achitopel was an able and honoured counsellor of David, who joined the rebellion of Absalom. The King was much affected by this desertion. Hearing that the man on whose word he had been wont to rely as "on an oracle of God" was giving his advice to the enemy, he prayed the Lord to "infatuate the counsel of Achitopel." Some have seen in Psalms 54:13-15 and 40:10, reflections of David on this faithless friend. It was on the advice of Achitopel that Absalom took possession of his father's harem, thus cutting off all hope of reconciliation. Understanding the need of energetic measures, he urged that 12,000 men be sent from Jerusalem in pursuit of the King. He offered to lead them himself. Chusai, a secret friend of David, defeated his purpose. Thereupon he proudly withdrew to his town of Gilo, put his house in order, and strangled himself. (See II Kings, xv, 12; xvii, 23; I Par., xxvii, 33.) It would seem from a conjunction of II Kings, xxiii, 34, and xi, 3, that Achitopel was the grandfather of Bethsabee, and it has been suggested, as an explanation of his conduct towards David, that he had kept a secret grudge against the King for the way he had treated Bethsabee, and her first husband, the unfortunate Urias. This, or some motive of ambition, would be in keeping with the haughty character of Achitopel. Dryden has used this name in the title of his famous satire against the Protestant Party, "Absalom and Achitophel."
W.S. REILLY