Wherefore to promote the glory of God and procure the salvation of all of these, and mindful of the command of the Lord, "Preach the Gospel to every creature",(130) the Church fosters the missions with care and attention. 1, 24, Lc. When it is looked at in this way, she is already prophetically foreshadowed in the promise of victory over the serpent which was given to our first parents after their fall into sin. Vatican II document, Lumen Gentium . Oec. The Lord Jesus, after praying to the Father, calling to Himself those whom He desired, appointed twelve to be with Him, and whom He would send to preach the Kingdom of God;(137) and these apostles(138) He formed after the manner of a college or a stable group, over which He placed Peter chosen from among them. Lumen Gentium - The Light of Nations. Tr. 4. Christ is the Light of nations. 42. Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. The College, which does not exist without the head, is said "to exist also as the subject of supreme and full power in the universal Church." Pastor aeternus, 3: Denz. 5, 2: ed. Therefore in the Church, everyone whether belonging to the hierarchy, or being cared for by it, is called to holiness, according to the saying of the Apostle: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification". Alloc. Many of them rejoice in the episcopate, celebrate the Holy Eucharist and cultivate devotion toward the Virgin Mother of God. Among the principal duties of bishops the preaching of the Gospel occupies an eminent place. (13) Dieitur. (289) When the Child Jesus was lost and they had sought Him sorrowing, His parents found Him in the temple, taken up with the things that were His Father's business; and they did not understand the word of their Son. Hom. Similarly, by their state in life, religious give splendid and striking testimony that the world cannot be transformed and offered to God without the spirit of the beatitudes. I Orient., c. 216-314: de Patriarchis; c. 324-399: de Archiepiscopis I maioribus; c. 362-391: de aliis dignitariis; in specie, c. 238 3; 216; 240; 251; 255: de Episcopis a Patriarch nominandis. It begs aid and grace from God for them by its public prayer. 38. Can., c. 487 et 488, 40. Finally, those who engage in laborand frequently it is of a heavy natureshould better themselves by their human labors. There are also those who . By. ib., III, 19, 26: col. 152; V, 18, 24: col. 189; In Io. (4) Cfr., i. a., S. Augustinus, Enarr. (24) Cfr. Pius XII, Litt. (52) Cfr. The Church, or, in other words, the kingdom of Christ now present in mystery, grows visibly through the power of God in the world. Chrysostomus, In Matth. ; S. Iustinus, Apol., 1, 6S G 6, 428; S. Cyprianus, Epist. . (13*) It is supremely fitting, therefore, that we love those friends and coheirs of Jesus Christ, who are also our brothers and extraordinary benefactors, that we render due thanks to God for them (14*) and "suppliantly invoke them and have recourse to their prayers, their power and help in obtaining benefits from God through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Redeemer and Saviour. The documents of recent Pontiffs regarding the jurisdiction of bishops must be interpreted in terms of this necessary determination of powers. Dogm. 33. in annunt. (11) S. Ign. Imitating the mother of her Lord, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, she keeps with virginal purity an entire faith, a firm hope and a sincere charity.(20*). "(4*), 5. Lumen Gentium Summary Understanding what the Church is helps us understanding role & mission of Church Church as sign & instrument of God Fellowship or communion as Church reflects communion or fellowship found within the Trinity ALL are called to holiness, with Mary as example of response to this call Lumen Gentiumlays ground work for S. Irenaeus, adv. However, the Commission has decided that it should not enter into question of liceity and validity. 694 (1307) et Conc. II-II, q. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this salvific duty, but by her constant intercession continued to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation. In order to reach this perfection the faithful should . Placed by the grace of God, as God's Mother, next to her Son, and exalted above all angels and men, Mary intervened in the mysteries of Christ and is justly honored by a special cult in the Church. Isaac de Stella, Serm. Humani genesis, 12 Aug. 1950: AAS 42 (1950) p. 571. In explicit terms He Himself affirmed the necessity of faith and baptism(124) and thereby affirmed also the necessity of the Church, for through baptism as through a door men enter the Church. For the discharging of such great duties, the apostles were enriched by Christ with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit coming upon them,(154) and they passed on this spiritual gift to their helpers by the imposition of hands,(155) and it has been transmitted down to us in Episcopal consecration. Sess. 146 Cf. By His obedience He brought about redemption. 57, 7: PL 38, 389, etc. The Son whom she brought forth is He whom God placed as the first-born among many brethren,(299) namely the faithful, in whose birth and education she cooperates with a maternal love. 62. Maximum illud: AAS 11 (1919) p. 440, Pius XI. (6) S. Clem. XV, 21 ct 24: ed. The Golden Anniversary: A Summary of the Vatican II Documents. (298) The maternal duty of Mary toward men in no wise obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows His power. And this also is important, that by governing well their own church as a portion of the universal Church, they themselves are effectively contributing to the welfare of the whole Mystical Body, which is also the body of the churches.(34*). . (14) S. Augustinus, Civ. (5) Cfr. Pius XII, Litt. 66, 8: Hartel 111, 2, p. 733: .. Episcopus in Ecclesia et Ecclesia in Episcopo .. (32) Cfr. (l4*), III. S: Conc. 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*). 55. But, rather, the faithful of Christ are called by God from both these states of life so that they might enjoy this particular gift in the life of the Church and thus each in one's own way, may be of some advantage to the salvific mission of the Church.(3*). "(6*) Hence not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert in their preaching, "The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience; what the virgin Eve bound through her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith. (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. Mystici Cororis, 29 iun. 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. "God is love, and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in Him". (10) Cfr. Encycl. L. VIII, cap. (301) This cult, as it always existed, although it is altogether singular, differs essentially from the cult of adoration which is offered to the Incarnate Word, as well to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and it is most favorable to it. Vat. It is through the sacraments and the exercise of the virtues that the sacred nature and organic structure of the priestly community is brought into operation. 1978 a (3370) . 2008 2382 et passim. The parallel between Peter and the rest of the Apostles on the one hand, and between the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops on the other hand, does not imply the transmission of the Apostles' extraordinary power to their successors; nor does it imply, as is obvious, equality between the head of the College and its members, but only a proportionality between the first relationship (Peter-Apostles) and the second (Pope-bishops). affirms this theory, teaching that the Church is more than a human institution or a political structure, but is a mystical, spiritual reality - the MBOC is made up of all of the baptized faithful who are joined in spirit with Christ the Head. (12) Cfr. Funk, I, pp. The Church, then, considers martyrdom as an exceptional gift and as the fullest proof of love. What specifically characterizes the laity is their secular nature. Chrysostomus n Eph. Religious should carefully keep before their minds the fact that the Church presents Christ to believers and non-believers alike in a striking manner daily through them. (8*) However, let the shepherds respectfully acknowledge that just freedom which belongs to everyone in this earthly city. 62, a. 31. 184, a. 2, 665 et 4, 1071); Conc. (63) Cfr. 23. V: De dignigate Patriarcharum: ibid. The Christian family loudly proclaims both the present virtues of the Kingdom of God and the hope of a blessed life to come. Mc 16,15). 13, 12: PL 35 1499. "All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity. There is, therefore, in Christ and in the Church no inequality on the basis of race or nationality, social condition or sex, because "there is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. C. Theodorus Mops., from. For this too God sent the Spirit of His Son as Lord and Life-giver. (180) For the sick and the sinners among the faithful, they exercise the ministry of alleviation and reconciliation and they present the needs and the prayers of the faithful to God the Father. It has been argued that, in fact, all the 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. 6: Denz. It is through the sacraments and the exercise of the virtues that the sacred nature and organic structure of the priestly community is brought into operation. As the Son was sent by the Father,(131) so He too sent the Apostles, saying: "Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Haer. Encycl. (4) Cfr. These pastors, chosen to shepherd the Lord's flock of the elect, are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,(151) to whom has been assigned the bearing of witness to the Gospel of the grace of God,(152) and the ministration of the Spirit and of justice in glory.(153). (300) And so they turn their eyes to Mary who shines forth to the whole community of the elect as the model of virtues. In order that the faithful may reach this perfection, they must use their strength accordingly as they have received it, as a gift from Christ. 1, 6-7, ut demonstret Ordinem esse verum sacramentum: Denz. 61. What makes Lumen Gentium, especially chatper II: "On the People of God" so "revolutionary" is the new stress it put on the equality and unity of all the Church's members. Indeed the counsels, voluntarily undertaken according to each one's personal vocation, contribute a great deal to the purification of heart and spiritual liberty. (10) Cfr. Pius XI, Litt. Thus these religious are able to tranquilly fulfill and faithfully observe their religious profession and so spiritually rejoicing make progress on the road of charity. Ministers of lesser rank are also sharers in the mission and grace of the Supreme Priest. 1957: AAS 49 (1957) pp. Pius IX itt. Let the faithful remember moreover that true devotion consists neither in sterile or transitory affection, nor in a certain vain credulity, but proceeds from true faith, by which we are led to know the excellence of the Mother of God, and we are moved to a filial love toward our mother and to the imitation of her virtues. When she presented Him to the Lord in the temple, making the offering of the poor, she heard Simeon foretelling at the same time that her Son would be a sign of contradiction and that a sword would pierce the mother's soul, that out of many hearts thoughts might be revealed. 184, a. Hom. Church authority has the duty, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, of interpreting these evangelical counsels, of regulating their practice and finally to build on them stable forms of living. (2) Cfr. 1890 AAS 22 (1889-90) p. 392. (73) (11*). S. Cyprianus, Epist. S. Irenaeus, Adv. 1712l (3011). Thus the Church prays and likewise labors so that into the People of God, the Body of the Lord and the Temple of the Holy Spirit, may pass the fullness of the whole world, and that in Christ, the head of all things, all honor and glory may be rendered to the Creator, the Father of the universe. Augustinus, Serm. (8) Cfr. III, q. : Denz. De Sacra Liturgia, cap. (259) For before we reign with Christ in glory, all of us will be made manifest "before the tribunal of Christ, so that each one may receive what he has won through the body, according to his works, whether good or evil"(260) and at the end of the world "they who have done good shall come forth unto resurrection of life; but those who have done evil unto resurrection of judgment". (39*) For bishops are preachers of the faith, who lead new disciples to Christ, and they are authentic teachers, that is, teachers endowed with the authority of Christ, who preach to the people committed to them the faith they must believe and put into practice, and by the light of the Holy Spirit illustrate that faith. (186) Becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock,(187) let them so lead and serve their local community that it may worthily be called by that name, by which the one and entire people of God is signed, namely, the Church of God. (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. . Dei, XVIII, 51, 2: PL 41, 614. Nic. 3, 2: col. 1388 C. S. Andrcas Cret. Hebr. B.M.V., 3: PG 96, 728. : PL 16, 320. (38) Cfr. 1, I, i, p. 22. Bardy, Sources Chr. 2; Smyrn. Hin Ch Tn L V Gio Hi - Lumen Gentium - 21/11/1964. "Because the bread is one, we though many, are one body, all of us who partake of the one bread". 1, 8: PG 96, 712 BC-713 A. Mystici Corporis, 19 iun. The council fathers approved Lumen Gentium by a final vote of 2,151 to 5! It has so often been said, wrote Fr. - S. Modestus Hier., In dorm. Finally, Christian spouses, in virtue of the sacrament of Matrimony, whereby they signify and partake of the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and His Church,(108) help each other to attain to holiness in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children. Reflection and discussion groups may already exist in the parish (committees, commissions, small faith communities) or they may be formed specifically for this . Iur. (14) The Church, which the Spirit guides in way of all truth(15) and which He unified in communion and in works of ministry, He both equips and directs with hierarchical and charismatic gifts and adorns with His fruits. There is but one Mediator as we know from the words of the apostle, "for there is one God and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a redemption for all". (208) Further, He has shared this power so that serving Christ in their fellow men they might by humility and patience lead their brethren to that King for whom to serve is to reign. Vaticanum II Const. dogm. c. Donat. Priests, who resemble bishops to a certain degree in their participation of the sacrament of Orders, form the spiritual crown of the bishops. The profession of the evangelical counsels, then, appears as a sign which can and ought to attract all the members of the Church to an effective and prompt fulfillment of the duties of their Christian vocation. It is the duty of the ecclesiastical hierarchy to regulate the practice of the evangelical counsels by law, since it is the duty of the same hierarchy to care for the People of God and to lead them to most fruitful pastures. crit. by Fr. This union is experienced and continually maintained through the Eucharist. May the goods of this world be more equitably distributed among all men, and may they in their own way be conducive to universal progress in human and Christian freedom. (4) Cfr. Alla vostra filfale. Because of the very economy of salvation the faithful should learn how to distinguish carefully between those rights and duties which are theirs as members of the Church, and those which they have as members of human society. S. Io. : Denz. etiam Mt. - S. Io. But, the society structured with hierarchical organs and the Mystical Body of Christ, are not to be considered as two realities, nor are the visible assembly and the spiritual community, nor the earthly Church and the Church enriched with heavenly things; rather they form one complex reality which coalesces from a divine and a human element. Further, let them encourage lay people so that they may undertake tasks on their own initiative. This Church of Christ is truly present in all legitimate local congregations of the faithful which, united with their pastors, are themselves called churches in the New Testament. 177-178, Denz. This diversity among its members arises either by reason of their duties, as is the case with those who exercise the sacred ministry for the good of their brethren, or by reason of their condition and state of life, as is the case with those many who enter the religious state and, tending toward holiness by a narrower path, stimulate their brethren by their example. 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. VII 5, 2: GCS 11, 2, p. 638 s.; Bardy, II, p. 168 s. (24) Cfr. 938 (1739-40). 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