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A censure, in the canon law of the Catholic Church, is a medicinal and spiritual punishment imposed by the church on a baptized, delinquent, and contumacious person, by which he is deprived, either wholly or in part, of the use of certain spiritual goods until he recovers from his contumacy. These goods can encompass access to the sacraments, participation in certain liturgical activities, and involvement in ecclesiastical functions.
Censures in the Catholic Church can be traced back to ancient ecclesiastical practices and have evolved over centuries. They find their origins in the early church's efforts to maintain order and discipline among its members. Throughout history, censures have been utilized to uphold the Church's teachings and values and promote repentance and spiritual growth.