Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Tuesday 26 November |
Saint of the Day: Bl. Marmaduke Bowes
Aleteia logo
Spirituality
separateurCreated with Sketch.

12 Catholic abbreviations for clergy and religious and what they mean

DIOCEASE

Philippe Lissac | GoDong

Philip Kosloski - published on 11/08/19

For example, O.C.D does not designate a nun with obsessive compulsive disorder.

In the Catholic Church, members of religious orders, as well as those entrusted with various ecclesiastical duties, may sign their name with an abbreviation. However, many people have no idea what the abbreviation stands for or what it means (and sometimes they confuse them with other abbreviations).

Here is a short slideshow with some of the most common abbreviations for Catholic religious and clergy members and what they mean.


POPE FRANCIS
Read more:
Here are 10 official titles of Pope Francis and their meaning


AMDG,ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA
Read more:
Reading Christian art: 5 Common abbreviations and what they mean

Tags:
CatholicismVocations
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.