Centre des monuments nationaux publishes comprehensive lexicon of French Catholic heritage terms

The Centre des monuments nationaux (CMN) has released a comprehensive reference work cataloging all terms associated with Roman Catholicism in France, offering an unprecedented view of the richness of this national heritage. The publication covers a wide range of vocabulary, including terms such as 'flagellation', 'crécelle', and 'hôtel-Dieu', among others. This scholarly endeavor aims to provide a definitive resource for understanding the linguistic and cultural dimensions of France's Catholic patrimony. The work is part of CMN's ongoing efforts to document and promote the country's monumental heritage. The release was announced on September 6, 2026, via Le Monde's religion section, highlighting the significance of this contribution to cultural heritage studies. The lexicon is expected to serve as a valuable tool for historians, art lovers, and the general public interested in the intersection of language and religious heritage in France.