Rev. Basing itself upon Sacred Scripture and Tradition, it teaches that the Church, now sojourning on earth as an exile, is necessary for salvation. A person becomes a member of the College by virtue of Episcopal consecration and by hierarchical communion with the head of the College and with its members. (7) Cfr. 67, 10: PL 9, 4S0; CSEL 22, p. 286. Pius IX itt. This determination of power can consist in the granting of a particular office or in the allotment of subjects, and it is done according to the norms approved by the supreme authority. 65. Christ is the Light of nations. He does this not only through the hierarchy who teach in His name and with His authority, but also through the laity whom He made His witnesses and to whom He gave understanding of the faith (sensu fidei) and an attractiveness in speech(200) so that the power of the Gospel might shine forth in their daily social and family life. Leo XIII, Epist. 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). 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 Provida Mater, 2 Febr. By reason of it, the Catholic Church strives constantly and with due effect to bring all humanity and all its possessions back to its source In Christ, with Him as its head and united in His Spirit. 11, 340. 11, de Ecclesia Christi, c. 4: Mansi S3, 310. In the first place, the shepherds of Christ's flock must holily and eagerly, humbly and courageously carry out their ministry, in imitation of the eternal high Priest, the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls. And for this reason the apostles, appointed as rulers in this society, took care to appoint successors. Pius XII, Litt. 16. 78, 18: PG 42, 728 CD; 729 AB. (14*) Therefore, the Sacred Council teaches that bishops by divine institution have succeeded to the place of the apostles, (15*) as shepherds of the Church, and he who hears them, hears Christ, and he who rejects them, rejects Christ and Him who sent Christ. . (21) Conc. 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. S. Thomas Summa Theol. Officio sanctissimo, 22 dec. 1887: AAS 20 (1887) p. 264. (58) Giving the body unity through Himself and through His power and inner joining of the members, this same Spirit produces and urges love among the believers. L. VIII, cap. 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. Miserentissimus, 8 maii 1928: AAS 20 (1928) p. 178. 960 (1768); Conc. (29) 20. Nicaenum II, Act. 2:7; Ps. Leo XIII, Epist. 36, 4: Hartel, p. 575, lin. In this presentation I explain the concept of marriage as presented in the pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes. Six ans se sont ecoules, 5 oct. l9S7: AAS 49 (19S7) p. 927. They are, by reason of the knowledge, competence or outstanding ability which they may enjoy, permitted and sometimes even obliged to express their opinion on those things which concern the good of the Church (7*). 4. 62. (9) Cfr. 163 Cf Acts 1:17, 25; 21:19; Rom. In nat. 5, ad 1. The word "only" takes in all cases. 6, 1: cd. The Church indeed, contemplating her hidden sanctity, imitating her charity and faithfully fulfilling the Father's will, by receiving the word of God in faith becomes herself a mother. Their praise lives on in the Church of God. 41: PG 6, 564. (55), As all the members of the human body, though they are many, form one body, so also are the faithful in Christ. (119), It follows that though there are many nations there is but one people of God, which takes its citizens from every race, making them citizens of a kingdom which is of a heavenly rather than of an earthly nature. Is 7:14; cf. (13*) An eminent position among these is held by virginity or the celibate state. This is the idea that the bishops, taken as a whole, also possess supreme authority in the Catholic Church. 5 et 6. X, 14: PG 14 127S B. S. Augustinus, De S. Viginitate, 15, 15: PL 40, 403. 121, 32: PL 40 288. This very diversity of graces, ministries and works gathers the children of God into one, because "all these things are the work of one and the same Spirit".(195). Indeed the counsels, voluntarily undertaken according to each one's personal vocation, contribute a great deal to the purification of heart and spiritual liberty. (18) Conc. (11) Leo XIII, Epist. The supreme power in the universal Church, which this college enjoys, is exercised in a solemn way in an ecumenical council. Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. Rom., ad Cor. Let them heed the admonition of the Apostle to those who use this world; let them not come to terms with this world; for this world, as we see it, is passing away. 4, 6 s. coll. There are two sources in particular from which the pope constantly draws and to which he refers: Sacred Scripture first of all, and then the documents of the Second Vatican Council, especially the Constitutions on the Church (Lumen Gentium), Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum), and the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes). (12) The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the faithful, as in a temple. Cfr. Ps.-Petrus Dam. (40) John contemplates this holy city coming down from heaven at the renewal of the world as a bride made ready and adorned for her husband. (8*) However, let the shepherds respectfully acknowledge that just freedom which belongs to everyone in this earthly city. Haer. 34. This is clearly proven by the example of so many holy founders. Besides these already named, there are also laymen, chosen of God and called by the bishop. As St. Ambrose taught, the Mother of God is a type of the Church in the order of faith, charity and perfect union with Christ. (4) Cfr. Pius XII, Nuntius radioph. Hesychiu Hieros., In Lcv. S. Ignatius M., ad ephes. The term laity is here understood to mean all the faithful except those in holy orders and those in the state of religious life specially approved by the Church. VIII: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Mys tery of Christ & of the Church (52-69) -Preface (52-54) a. Mary's relation to Christ in the divine plan of redemptive Incarnation (52) 1) God revealed that to save us He sent His Son "born of a woman" (Gal 4:4f) The Virgin in her own life lived an example of that maternal love, by which it behooves that all should be animated who cooperate in the apostolic mission of the Church for the regeneration of men. 65, a. 1683 (2879). crit. Conc. 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. Lumen Gentium is a powerful reminder to Catholics that the Church is a holy society, with necessary, visible structures that were instituted by Christ Himself. 66, 8: Hartel 111, 2, p. 733: .. Episcopus in Ecclesia et Ecclesia in Episcopo .. (32) Cfr. Orientalium Ecclesiarum, Decree On the Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite, 1964. : Denz. IV, n. 16, cum notis 12 et 15. Can., c. 29 1. (59*) Their power, therefore, is not destroyed by the supreme and universal power, but on the contrary it is affirmed, strengthened and vindicated by it,(60*) since the Holy Spirit unfailingly preserves the form of government established by Christ the Lord in His Church. Ordinis, cap. In like manner the Episcopal bodies of today are in a position to render a manifold and fruitful assistance, so that this collegiate feeling may be put into practical application. The religious state clearly manifests that the Kingdom of God and its needs, in a very special way, are raised above all earthly considerations. (31) That land, like a choice vineyard, has been planted by the heavenly Husbandman. . 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*). But the Lord wishes to spread His kingdom also by means of the laity, namely, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace (4*). 60:4-7; Rev. She exhorts her children to purification and renewal so that the sign of Christ may shine more brightly over the face of the earth. (22*) Therefore it pertains to the bishops to admit newly elected members into the Episcopal body by means of the sacrament of Orders. The former is a danger; the latter, salvation" (1*). ; S. Iustinus, Apol., 1, 6S G 6, 428; S. Cyprianus, Epist. 13, 1: ed. (13) S. Clem. LUMEN GENTIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON NOVEMBER 21, 1964 CHAPTER II: ON THE PEOPLE OF GOD 11. 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. Tertull., Praescr. (211), Let the spiritual shepherds recognize and promote the dignity as well as the responsibility of the laity in the Church. (1*) In the present era of time the Church was constituted and, by the outpouring of the Spirit, was made manifest. 3: Mansi 10, 1151. (148) They therefore appointed such men, and gave them the order that, when they should have died, other approved men would take up their ministry. 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. Isaac de Stella, Serm. 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". Though it is always in existence, the College is not as a result permanently engaged in strictly collegial activity; the Church's Tradition makes this clear. Reflection and discussion groups may already exist in the parish (committees, commissions, small faith communities) or they may be formed specifically for this . 4. Mariac, sermo 4: PG 97, 865 A. Cfr. 1782 (3001). (31) Cfr. The Church does not hesitate to profess this subordinate role of Mary. Then, with combined rejoicing we celebrate together the praise of the divine majesty;(18*) then all those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation (278) who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and gathered together into one Church, with one song of praise magnify the one and triune God. This must be admitted of necessity so that the fullness of power belonging to the Roman Pontiff is not called into question. Tertullianus, Exhort. (18*) And the Sacred Council teaches that by Episcopal consecration the fullness of the sacrament of Orders is conferred, that fullness of power, namely, which both in the Church's liturgical practice and in the language of the Fathers of the Church is called the high priesthood, the supreme power of the sacred ministry. S. Thomas, Summa Theol. In the old Testament the revelation of the Kingdom is often conveyed by means of metaphors. 4, 1;-12: col. 387. (6*) Thus both by reason of the offering and through Holy Communion all take part in this liturgical service, not indeed, all in the same way but each in that way which is proper to himself. Thus, the Church, although it needs human resources to carry out its mission, is not set up to seek earthly glory, but to proclaim, even by its own example, humility and self-sacrifice. (19*) By her belief and obedience, not knowing man but overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, as the new Eve she brought forth on earth the very Son of the Father, showing an undefiled faith, not in the word of the ancient serpent, but in that of God's messenger. Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked by the Church under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Adjutrix, and Mediatrix. (62*) They have legitimately handed on to different individuals in the Church various degrees of participation in this ministry. B. M., Ms. Paris, Mazarine, 1002, fol. Funk, I, p. 252. 1:22-23. I, ess. 32. 3 et q. Pius XI, Litt. The mystery of the holy Church is manifest in its very foundation. (58) Benedictus XIV, Br. II de Ecclesia Christi, cum I commentario Kleutgen: Mansi 53, 313 AB. S. Petrus Canisius, Catechismus Maior seu Summa Doctrinae christianae, cap. For it is the duty of all bishops to promote and to safeguard the unity of faith and the discipline common to the whole Church, to instruct the faithful to love for the whole mystical body of Christ, especially for its poor and sorrowing members and for those who are suffering persecution for justice's sake,(160) and finally to promote every activity that is of interest to the whole Church, especially that the faith may take increase and the light of full truth appear to all men. Satis cognitum, 1. c., p. 713. Fidei Donum, 1. c. (36) Leo XIII, Litt. For all who are in Christ, having His Spirit, form one Church and cleave together in Him. (19) In Trad. But they are by reason of their particular vocation especially and professedly ordained to the sacred ministry. They exercise their sacred function especially in the Eucharistic worship or the celebration of the Mass by which acting in the person of Christ (67*) and proclaiming His Mystery they unite the prayers of the faithful with the sacrifice of their Head and renew and apply (68*) in the sacrifice of the Mass until the coming of the Lord(179) the only sacrifice of the New Testament namely that of Christ offering Himself once for all a spotless Victim to the Father. (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". 36. (4) Cfr. in lob, XXVIII, V: PL 76, 455-456. (8*), Christ loves the Church as His bride, having become the model of a man loving his wife as his body;(68) the Church, indeed, is subject to its Head. (163), The canonical mission of bishops can come about by legitimate customs that have not been revoked by the supreme and universal authority of the Church, or by laws made or recognized be that the authority, or directly through the successor of Peter himself; and if the latter refuses or denies apostolic communion, such bishops cannot assume any office.(38*). Cfr. (290), 58. (6) S. Irenaeus, Adv. (51*) In any community of the altar, under the sacred ministry of the bishop,(52*) there is exhibited a symbol of that charity and "unity of the mystical Body, without which there can be no salvation. : Denz. Likewise, the holiness of the Church is fostered in a special way by the observance of the counsels proposed in the Gospel by Our Lord to His disciples. The central document of the Second Vatican Council was Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Later. 199-200. Bonaventura, In 4m Sent., d. 45, a. (6) Cfr. 47. (72) Ordo consecrationis sacerdotalis in praefatione. He speaks to us in them, and gives us a sign of His Kingdom,(12*) to which we are strongly drawn, having so great a cloud of witnesses over us (276) and such a witness to the truth of the Gospel. I Oec. 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. S. Cyrillus Alex., Glaph in Gen. 2, 10: PG 69, 110 A. Mystici Corporis: AAS 35 (1943) p. 216. Wherefore this people, while remaining one and only one, is to be spread throughout the whole world and must exist in all ages, so that the decree of God's will may be fulfilled. Origenes, In Is. 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