Leo XIII, Epist. (285) She stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, who confidently hope for and receive salvation from Him. S. Thomas, Summa Theol. 4: PG 97, 1321 B. Cf. His Mother indeed kept these things to be pondered over in her heart. Ambrosiascr In I Tim. (11) To men, dead in sin, the Father gives life through Him, until, in Christ, He brings to life their mortal bodies. In virtue of their common sacred ordination and mission, all priests are bound together in intimate brotherhood, which naturally and freely manifests itself in mutual aid, spiritual as well as material, pastoral as well as personal, in their meetings and in communion of life, of labor and charity. They should be of aid to their fellow citizens. : PL 50, 505 AB- Schwartz, Acta Conc. (25*) For when Christ shall appear and the glorious resurrection of the dead will take place, the glory of God will light up the heavenly City and the Lamb will be the lamp thereof. For charity, as the bond of perfection and the fullness of the law,(229) rules over all the means of attaining holiness and gives life to these same means. assim. Sapientiae christianae, 10 ian. 1950: AAS 42 (1950) p. 256. (139) He sent them first to the children of Israel and then to all nations,(140) so that as sharers in His power they might make all peoples His disciples, and sanctify and govern them,(141) and thus spread His Church, and by ministering to it under the guidance of the Lord, direct it all days even to the consummation of the world. 27-28. (184) intent always upon the welfare of God's children, they must strive to lend their effort to the pastoral work of the whole diocese, and even of the entire Church. A great many wonderful things are to be hoped for from this familiar dialogue between the laity and their spiritual leaders: in the laity a strengthened sense of personal responsibility; a renewed enthusiasm; a more ready application of their talents to the projects of their spiritual leaders. Pius XII, Const. (31) That land, like a choice vineyard, has been planted by the heavenly Husbandman. Pastors of the Church, following the example of the Lord, should minister to one another and to the other faithful. (277) For just as Christian communion among wayfarers brings us closer to Christ, so our companionship with the saints joins us to Christ, from Whom as from its Fountain and Head issues every grace and the very life of the people of God. (43) Cfr. Mystici Corporis: AAS 35 (1943) p. 245. (252) We strive therefore to please God in all things(253) and we put on the armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and resist in the evil day. Encycl. (16) Breviarium Romanum, Invitatorium infesto Sanctorum Omnium. In the public life of Jesus, Mary makes significant appearances. Didache, 14: ed. Cfr. et. 86 (150), coll. (8*) However, let the shepherds respectfully acknowledge that just freedom which belongs to everyone in this earthly city. Thus it is evident to everyone, that all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity;(4*) by this holiness as such a more human manner of living is promoted in this earthly society. The present-day conditions of the world add greater urgency to this work of the Church so that all men, joined more closely today by various social, technical and cultural ties, might also attain fuller unity in Christ. The Golden Anniversary: A Summary of the Vatican II Documents. The task of proclaiming the Gospel everywhere on earth pertains to the body of pastors, to all of whom in common Christ gave His command, thereby imposing upon them a common duty, as Pope Celestine in his time recommended to the Fathers of the Council of Ephesus. Chrysostomus, In Matth. At the end of time it will gloriously achieve completion, when, as is read in the Fathers, all the just, from Adam and "from Abel, the just one, to the last of the elect,"(2*) will be gathered together with the Father in the universal Church. The word "only" takes in all cases. (6) As often as the sacrifice of the cross in which Christ our Passover was sacrificed, is celebrated on the altar, the work of our redemption is carried on, and, in the sacrament of the eucharistic bread, the unity of all believers who form one body in Christ (8) is both expressed and brought about. 16:13) and unifying her in communion and in the works of ministry, he bestows upon her varied hierarchic and charismatic gifts, and in . Furthermore, married couples and Christian parents should follow their own proper path (to holiness) by faithful love. passim. 47. Botte, pp. They bring forth from the treasury of Revelation new things and old,(164) making it bear fruit and vigilantly warding off any errors that threaten their flock. They continually stir up the fervor of charity. (86) Christ instituted this new covenant, the new testament, that is to say, in His Blood,(87) calling together a people made up of Jew and gentile, making them one, not according to the flesh but in the Spirit. (59) Leo XIII, Epist. It has been argued that, in fact, all the Pius XI, Litt. Hence, one is constituted a member of the Episcopal body in virtue of sacramental consecration and hierarchical communion with the head and members of the body. Whoever they are they are called upon, as living members, to expend all their energy for the growth of the Church and its continuous sanctification, since this very energy is a gift of the Creator and a blessing of the Redeemer. Chrysostomus, De Virg. (33), Often the Church has also been called the building of God. Since, like Paul the Apostle, he is debtor to all men, let him be ready to preach the Gospel to all,(174) and to urge his faithful to apostolic and missionary activity. Then too, by God's gift, they must hold on to and complete in their lives this holiness they have received. 46 (47) 2: PG 58, 78, de fermento in massa. Satis cognitum, 1. c., p. 713. N.B. (14*) This perfect continency, out of desire for the kingdom of heaven, has always been held in particular honor in the Church. (24*), For all of us, who are sons of God and constitute one family in Christ,(279) as long as we remain in communion with one another in mutual charity and in one praise of the most holy Trinity, are corresponding with the intimate vocation of the Church and partaking in foretaste the liturgy of consummate glory. Deacon Ed Sheffer . They must assist each other to live holier lives even in their daily occupations. Pius XI, Litt. Pius IX, Epist. (12) Cfr. In the word, in the works, and in the presence of Christ, this kingdom was clearly open to the view of men. (234) Because the disciples must always offer an imitation of and a testimony to the charity and humility of Christ, Mother Church rejoices at finding within her bosom men and women who very closely follow their Saviour who debased Himself to our comprehension. nothing to dislike. Annus sacer, 8 dec. 1950: AAS 43 (1951) pp. That is to say that, instead of emphasizing the vertical line of control, Lumen Gentium emphasizes a horizontal line where the "People of God" are made important (O'Malley 174). Israel according to the flesh, which wandered as an exile in the desert, was already called the Church of God. Encycl. Due to the special circumstances of our time the foundations of this doctrine must be more thoroughly examined. Just as Christ carried out the work of redemption in poverty and persecution, so the Church is called to follow the same route that it might communicate the fruits of salvation to men. Indeed, the very ancient practice whereby bishops duly established in all parts of the world were in communion with one another and with the Bishop of Rome in a bond of unity, charity and peace,(23*) and also the councils assembled together,(24*) in which more profound issues were settled in common, (25*) the opinion of the many having been prudently considered,(26*) both of these factors are already an indication of the collegiate character and aspect of the Episcopal order; and the ecumenical councils held in the course of centuries are also manifest proof of that same character. 121-122: Tribuas eis, Domine, cathedram episcopalem ad regendam Ecclesiam tuam et plebem universam.. Cfr. Celebrating the Eucharistic sacrifice therefore, we are most closely united to the Church in heaven in communion with and venerating the memory first of all of the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, of Blessed Joseph and the blessed apostles and martyrs and of all the saints. Since the Church is in Christ like a sacrament or as a sign and instrument both of a very closely knit union with God and of the unity of the whole human race, it desires now to unfold more fully to the faithful of the Church and to the whole world its own inner nature and universal mission. (5) Cfr. 840 (1580). (73) (11*). dogm. Trid., Sess. All men are called to belong to the new people of God. They are more perfectly bound to the Church by the sacrament of Confirmation, and the Holy Spirit endows them with special strength so that they are more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith, both by word and by deed, as true witnesses of Christ (5*). 13: . But while in the most holy Virgin the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she is without spot or wrinkle, the followers of Christ still strive to increase in holiness by conquering sin. 6, 69 (ho hagios tou theou); Act. Damasccnus, Nom. S. Augustinus, C. Faustum, 12, 20: PL 42, 26S Serm. Cone. (8) Cfr. 3, 7: PL 2, 357 C, CSEL 47, 3 p. 386. Vat. Lumen Gentium, Light of the Nations, November 21, 1964. 2, 20; Apoc. Nor should they omit to pray for those placed over them, for they keep watch as having to render an account of their souls, so that they may do this with joy and not with grief. . Any institute of perfection and its individual members may be removed from the jurisdiction of the local Ordinaries by the Supreme Pontiff and subjected to himself alone. Castf Connubii, 31 dec. 1930. Likewise we can say that in some real way they are joined with us in the Holy Spirit, for to them too He gives His gifts and graces whereby He is operative among them with His sanctifying power. Annus sacer, 1. c., p. 28. (165) Bishops, teaching in communion with the Roman Pontiff, are to be respected by all as witnesses to divine and Catholic truth. 378-379; Denz. 39. The laity have the right, as do all Christians, to receive in abundance from their spiritual shepherds the spiritual goods of the Church, especially the assistance of the word of God and of the sacraments (6*). Nous sommes heureux, 11 apr.1958: AAS 50 (1958) p. 283. 54. 6, 1: PG 13, 239. These in their turn should enthusiastically lend their joint assistance to their pastors and teachers. 3 in dorm. Encycl. 1, 26: PL 23, 247 A. S. Augustinus, In Ps. Cod. This is clearly proven by the example of so many holy founders. (92) Its end is the kingdom of God, which has been begun by God Himself on earth, and which is to be further extended until it is brought to perfection by Him at the end of time, when Christ, our life,(93) shall appear, and "creation itself will be delivered from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the sons of God". (42) It is described as the spotless spouse of the spotless Lamb,(43) whom Christ "loved and for whom He delivered Himself up that He might sanctify her",(44) whom He unites to Himself by an unbreakable covenant, and whom He unceasingly "nourishes and cherishes",(45) and whom, once purified, He willed to be cleansed and joined to Himself, subject to Him in love and fidelity,(46) and whom, finally, He filled with heavenly gifts for all eternity, in order that we may know the love of God and of Christ for us, a love which surpasses all knowledge. It seeks and experiences those things which are above, where Christ is seated at the right-hand of God, where the life of the Church is hidden with Christ in God until it appears in glory with its Spouse.(49). (15) Cfr. And lastly, by the example of their way of life they must be an influence for good to those over whom they preside, refraining from all evil and, as far as they are able with God's help, exchanging evil for good, so that together with the flock committed to their care they may arrive at eternal life.(57*). "(17), Thus, the Church has been seen as "a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Lumen Gentium says the Church is hierarchical. S.S.C.S. vitae spir., c. 18. Tertull., Praescr. And he is always free to exercise this power. (129) Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair. 983 (1820); Sess. . Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel. (3) Cfr. This must be admitted of necessity so that the fullness of power belonging to the Roman Pontiff is not called into question. (71) Ordo consecrationis sacerdotalis, in impositione vestimentorum. They direct the conferring of baptism, by which a sharing in the kingly priesthood of Christ is granted. Inter Mirifica, Decree On the Means of Social Communication, 1963. Catechumens who, moved by the Holy Spirit, seek with explicit intention to be incorporated into the Church are by that very intention joined with her. (18) Conc. 1821 (3050 s.). Cfr. Chrysostomus n Eph. Now the laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can it become the salt of the earth (2*). S. Thomas Summa Theol. L'importance de la presse catholique, 17 febr. (53) S. Thomas, Summa Theol. Dei, XVIII, 51, 2: PL 41, 614. Phil. IV 17, 5; PG 7, 1023; Harvey, 2, p. 199 s. Conc. 44, 3; ed. THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH. Encycl. (215) However, this holiness of the Church is unceasingly manifested, and must be manifested, in the fruits of grace which the Spirit produces in the faithful; it is expressed in many ways in individuals, who in their walk of life, tend toward the perfection of charity, thus causing the edification of others; in a very special way this (holiness) appears in the practice of the counsels, customarily called "evangelical." Chapter I - The Mystery of the Church 1. When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth (9) was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that He might continually sanctify the Church, and thus, all those who believe would have access through Christ in one Spirit to the Father. The Church, then, considers martyrdom as an exceptional gift and as the fullest proof of love. (1*) And all this teaching about the institution, the perpetuity, the meaning and reason for the sacred primacy of the Roman Pontiff and of his infallible magisterium, this Sacred Council again proposes to be firmly believed by all the faithful. What specifically characterizes the laity is their secular nature. II-II, q. . (13) Cfr. In it, the bishops, faithfully recognizing the primacy and pre-eminence of their head, exercise their own authority for the good of their own faithful, and indeed of the whole Church, the Holy Spirit supporting its organic structure and harmony with moderation. Expos. 22: Denz. As the assumed nature inseparably united to Him, serves the divine Word as a living organ of salvation, so, in a similar way, does the visible social structure of the Church serve the Spirit of Christ, who vivifies it, in the building up of the body. 65. "(12*) All the Church's children should remember that their exalted status is to be attributed not to their own merits but to the special grace of Christ. 2300 (3850). Tuas libener: Denz. That divine mission, entrusted by Christ to the apostles, will last until the end of the world,(147) since the Gospel they are to teach is for all time the source of all life for the Church. (11) Cfr. Haer. Embracing God's salvific will with a full heart and impeded by no sin, she devoted herself totally as a handmaid of the Lord to the person and work of her Son, under Him and with Him, by the grace of almighty God, serving the mystery of redemption. Cod. Indeed, they should imitate by their lively charity, in their joyous hope and by their voluntary sharing of each others' burdens, the very Christ who plied His hands with carpenter's tools and Who in union with His Father, is continually working for the salvation of all men. This most Holy Synod deliberately teaches this Catholic doctrine and at the same time admonishes all the sons of the Church that the cult, especially the liturgical cult, of the Blessed Virgin, be generously fostered, and the practices and exercises of piety, recommended by the magisterium of the Church toward her in the course of centuries be made of great moment, and those decrees, which have been given in the early days regarding the cult of images of Christ, the Blessed Virgin and the saints, be religiously observed. 27-30, Episcopo tribuitur primatus sacerdotii. ecl., V, 24, 10: GCS II, 1, p. 49S; cd. (66*) Partakers of the function of Christ the sole Mediator,(178) on their level of ministry, they announce the divine word to all. . onsist., 15 mart. Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from the mercy of God for the offence committed against Him and are at the same time reconciled with the Church, which they have wounded by their sins, and which by charity, example, and prayer seeks their conversion. 15. It is through the Church that we encounter Christ, so it is through the Church that we realize our vocation, our meaning and our innermost truth. Incorporated in the Church through baptism, the faithful are destined by the baptismal character for the worship of the Christian religion; reborn as sons of God they must confess before men the faith which they have received from God through the Church (4*). Those opinions therefore may be lawfully retained which are propounded in Catholic schools concerning her, who occupies a place in the Church which is the highest after Christ and yet very close to us. 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