Intention

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Intention. A term in Catholic usage with several meanings:1. The purpose of doing ‘what the church does’ in the sacraments. Along with the right ‘form’ and ‘matter’, the right intention is held to be necessary for the validity of the sacrament.2. The special object for which a prayer of intercession is made, or a mass said.

In all religions, stress is laid on the importance of intention in the performance of religious duties or the pursuit of religious goals. For an example in Islam, see NIYYA.

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