Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 16, November 21, 1964 "But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place among whom are the Muslims: these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day." 112-3117, in nova ed. III (ed. They are fully incorporated in the society of the Church who, possessing the Spirit of Christ accept her entire system and all the means of salvation given to her, and are united with her as part of her visible bodily structure and through her with Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops. Hom. Nicaenum II, Act. 1923: AAS 15 (1923) p. 50 ct pp. (125) On account of their fathers this people remains most dear to God, for God does not repent of the gifts He makes nor of the calls He issues. Encycl. (104) Everywhere on earth they must bear witness to Christ and give an answer to those who seek an account of that hope of eternal life which is in them.(105). (5) Cfr. dogm. In the old Testament the revelation of the Kingdom is often conveyed by means of metaphors. Funk, l, p. 244. 16, 21: PG 13, 1443 C, Tertullianus Adv. 1947: AAS 39 (1947) p. 117. Apost. (4) Cfr., i. a., S. Augustinus, Enarr. Let them assiduously keep away from whatever, either by word or deed, could lead separated brethren or any other into error regarding the true doctrine of the Church. (44*), But when either the Roman Pontiff or the Body of Bishops together with him defines a judgment, they pronounce it in accordance with Revelation itself, which all are obliged to abide by and be in conformity with, that is, the Revelation which as written or orally handed down is transmitted in its entirety through the legitimate succession of bishops and especially in care of the Roman Pontiff himself, and which under the guiding light of the Spirit of truth is religiously preserved and faithfully expounded in the Church. The full document is available on the internet. Benedictus XV, Epist. (30*) The individual bishops, however, are the visible principle and foundation of unity in their particular churches, (31*) fashioned after the model of the universal Church, in and from which churches comes into being the one and only Catholic Church. 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. (230) From the earliest times, then, some Christians have been called uponand some will always be called uponto give the supreme testimony of this love to all men, but especially to persecutors. Christ Jesus, "though He was by nature God . Lc. (7) Cfr. For Mary, who since her entry into salvation history unites in herself and re-echoes the greatest teachings of the faith as she is proclaimed and venerated, calls the faithful to her Son and His sacrifice and to the love of the Father. (66), In order that we might be unceasingly renewed in Him,(67) He has shared with us His Spirit who, existing as one and the same being in the Head and in the members, gives life to, unifies and moves through the whole body. Leo XIII, Epist. Benedictus XV, Decretum approbationis virtutum in Causa beatificationis et canonizationis Servi Dei Ioannis Nepomuecni Neumann: AAS 14 (1922 p. 23; plures Allocutiones Pii X de Sanetis: Inviti all'croismo Diseorsi t. I-III, Romae 1941-1942, passim; Pius XII, Discorsi Radiomessagi, t. 10, 1949, pp 37-43. But the faithful, in virtue of their royal priesthood, join in the offering of the Eucharist. The Church, or, in other words, the kingdom of Christ now present in mystery, grows visibly through the power of God in the world. Litt. The Role of the Blessed Mother in the Economy of Salvation. S. Ambrosius, In Ps. III, de utilitate chrismatis: PG 150, 569-580. It commends them to God, imparts a spiritual blessing on them and accompanies their self-offering by the Eucharistic sacrifice. Pius IX, Epist. 1890: ASS 22 (1889-90) p. 397 ss. Just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by the ministers and by the faithful, and as the one goodness of God is really communicated in different ways to His creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source. These faithful are by baptism made one body with Christ and are constituted among the People of God; they are in their own way made sharers in the priestly, prophetical, and kingly functions of Christ; and they carry out for their own part the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the world. Serm. S. Iustinus, Dial. Decretum De Apostolatu laicorum, cap. (32) The true vine is Christ who gives life and the power to bear abundant fruit to the branches, that is, to us, who through the Church remain in Christ without whom we can do nothing. Sous la maternclle protection, 9 dec. 1957: AAS 50 (19S8) p. 36. These elements, as gifts belonging to the Church of Christ, are forces impelling toward catholic unity. THE ESCHATOLOGICAL NATURE OF THE PILGRIM CHURCH AND ITS UNION WITH THE CHURCH IN HEAVEN, 48. Besides these already named, there are also laymen, chosen of God and called by the bishop. Mariac, sermo 4: PG 97, 865 A. 23, cap. Since the Church, in Christ, is in the nature of S. Ignatius M., Ad Rom., Praef. Luke 4: 12-16 Jesus cleanses a Leper; Luke 6: 17-19 Jesus teaches and heals; Luke 6: 27-31 Love for enemies; Luke 9:1-6 The Mission of the Twelve. Trid., Sess. 1896; AAS 28 (1895-96) pp. B.M.V., 3: PG 96, 728. The central purpose of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) is "to unfold more fully to the faithful of the Church and to the whole world its own inner nature and universal . 1917: 9 (1917) p. 268, Denz. (2) Cfr. S. Thomas, Summa Theol. Through their baptism and confirmation all are commissioned to that apostolate by the Lord Himself. The Father of mercies willed that the incarnation should be preceded by the acceptance of her who was predestined to be the mother of His Son, so that just as a woman contributed to death, so also a woman should contribute to life. Pastors of the Church, following the example of the Lord, should minister to one another and to the other faithful. Tridentinum, Sess. For besides intimately linking them to His life and His mission, He also gives them a sharing in His priestly function of offering spiritual worship for the glory of God and the salvation of men. V. Mary the sign of created hope and solace to the wandering people of God. Therefore, this Sacred Synod encourages and praises the men and women, Brothers and Sisters, who in monasteries, or in schools and hospitals, or in the missions, adorn the Bride of Christ by their unswerving and humble faithfulness in their chosen consecration and render generous services of all kinds to mankind. (6*) They participate in the grace of their office and they should grow daily in their love of God and their neighbor by the exercise of their office through Christ, the eternal and unique Mediator. 1, 6-7, ut demonstret Ordinem esse verum sacramentum: Denz. (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. Iur. Israel according to the flesh, which wandered as an exile in the desert, was already called the Church of God. 25, De invocatione Sanctorum: Denz. (15) Conc. Vat. 3, q. Eph. 22, 21: PL 22, 408. 1836 (3070) no. Richard Cecka. Lumen gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council.This dogmatic constitution was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964, following approval by the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,151 to 5. (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. IV, Const. Encycl. Beda, In Lc. 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*). On account of this sharing in their priesthood and mission, let priests sincerely look upon the bishop as their father and reverently obey him. (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". 9, 375-396. S. Irenaeus, Adv. pp. III, 2, 2; PG 7, 847; Harvey 2, 7; Sagnard, p. 100: . (169) This power, which they personally exercise in Christ's name, is proper, ordinary and immediate, although its exercise is ultimately regulated by the supreme authority of the Church, and can be circumscribed by certain limits, for the advantage of the Church or of the faithful. That discernment in matters of faith is aroused and sustained by the Spirit of truth. Having set forth the functions of the hierarchy, the Sacred Council gladly turns its attention. (9) Cfr. (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. Pius XII, Litt. Mystici Corporis, 1. c., pp 219-220; Denz. As having one day to render an account for their souls,(173) he takes care of them by his prayer, preaching, and all the works of charity, and not only of them but also of those who are not yet of the one flock, who also are commended to him in the Lord. (165) Bishops, teaching in communion with the Roman Pontiff, are to be respected by all as witnesses to divine and Catholic truth. "(74*) For strengthened by sacramental grace, in communion with the bishop and his group of priests they serve in the diaconate of the liturgy, of the word, and of charity to the people of God. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things,(127) and as Saviour wills that all men be saved. 56. In this way, the holiness of the People of God will grow into an abundant harvest of good, as is admirably shown by the life of so many saints in Church history. He it is who brings together the whole Church and each and every one of those who believe, and who is the well-spring of their unity in the teaching of the apostles and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers. Nat., 1: col. 812 A. Hom. Oec. S. Gregorius M., Hom in Evang. (22) Conc. Conc. The Mystery of the Church. Ioannes XXIII, Alloc. 16:18; Eph. 49. III, Const. Jn. 12, 15: PG 33, 741 AB. 30: Denz. 7, 7: PG 14, 1122 B. Ps.- Macarius, De Oratione, 11: PG 34, 861 AB. However, until there shall be new heavens and a new earth in which justice dwells,(243) the pilgrim Church in her sacraments and institutions, which pertain to this present time, has the appearance of this world which is passing and she herself dwells among creatures who groan and travail in pain until now and await the revelation of the sons of God.(244). Maximum illud: AAS 11 (1919) p. 440, praesertim p. 451 ss. 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. 184, a. Between all the parts of the Church there remains a bond of close communion whereby they share spiritual riches, apostolic workers and temporal resources. The laity have the principal role in the overall fulfillment of this duty. Christ, whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, (176) has through His apostles, made their successors, the bishops, partakers of His consecration and His mission. Lumen Gentium, ("Light of Nations", Vatican II, 1964) changed nothing in the ecclesiology of the Roman Catholic Church, and it was designed that way. Mk. De Sacra Liturgia, cap. 371: Mansi 3, 954. 18 There is, first, that people to whom the covenants and promises were made, and from whom Christ was born according to the flesh (cf. 2, 1: PG 39 49 s. S. Thomas, In Col. 1, 18 cet. 3. : PL S4, 7S9. Joined to Christ the Head and in the unity of fellowship with all His saints, the faithful must in the first place reverence the memory "of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ".(2*). Encycl. Full membership in the Church involves those who live under the visible representative of Christ. I: Mansi S2,1 109 C. (28) Cfr. Cone. (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. They should raise all of society, and even creation itself, to a better mode of existence. VII: Denz. (37*) This variety of local churches with one common aspiration is splendid evidence of the catholicity of the undivided Church. 66, 8: Hartel 111, 2, p. 733: .. Episcopus in Ecclesia et Ecclesia in Episcopo .. (32) Cfr. Step by step He taught and prepared this people, making known in its history both Himself and the decree of His will and making it holy unto Himself. (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. (66) Cfr. S. Cyprianus, Epist. I De Ecclesia Christi, cap. II de Ecclesia Christi, cum I commentario Kleutgen: Mansi 53, 313 AB. De Sacra Liturgia, cap. (248) And therefore "while we are in the body, we are exiled from the Lord (249) and having the first-fruits of the Spirit we groan within ourselves(250) and we desire to be with Christ"'. Brief History. 20:21-23. Pastor Aesernus, 4: Denz. Encycl. Sagnard, Sources Chr., p 398. It is clear throughout that it is a question of the bishops acting in conjunction with their head, never of the bishops acting independently of the Pope. 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. onsist., 15 mart. In this presentation I explain the concept of marriage as presented in the pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes. (8*) Thus, as St. Irenaeus testifies, through those who were appointed bishops by the apostles, and through their successors down in our own time, the apostolic tradition is manifested (9*) and preserved. Litt. As living stones we here on earth are built into it. : Ed. Rather John XXIII believed it necessary for the Church to face the challenges of the modern world. Conc. 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*). Sacramentarium Gregorianum: PL 78, 160 B.Vel C. Mohlberg, Liber Sactamentorum romanae ecclesiae, Romao 195O, p. 111, XC:.Deus, qui ex omni coaptacione sanctorum aeternum tibi condis habitaculum.. Hymnus Urbs Ierusalem beata in Breviario monastico, et Coclest urbs Ierusalem in Breviario Romano. Encycl. dogm. 2008 2382 et passim. Encycl. 161 Cf. 3869-72. Pius XII, Const. (30) On that land the ancient olive tree grows whose holy roots were the Prophets and in which the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles has been brought about and will be brought about. ier., 1, 2: PG 3, 372 D. (67) Cfr. Pius XII, Litt. Encycl. In it parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children; they should encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each of them, fostering with special care vocation to a sacred state. Funk, I, p. 266. Palladius, Historia Lausiaca: PG 34, 995 ss. L. 2, 9, 23: PG 93, 894 B. Pius XII, Nunius radioph., 24 oct. 1954: AAS 46 (1954) p. 679. (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. Encycl. 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*). 7. Let neither the use of the things of this world nor attachment to riches, which is against the spirit of evangelical poverty, hinder them in their quest for perfect love. (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. (Lumen Gentium) explained the Church's nature as a sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among men. : Denz. 1947: AAS 39 (1947) p. 120 ss. (4*) This consecration will be the more perfect, in as much as the indissoluble bond of the union of Christ and His bride, the Church, is represented by firm and more stable bonds. (6*) Furthermore, the hierarchy, following with docility the prompting of the Holy Spirit, accepts the rules presented by outstanding men and women and authentically approves these rules after further adjustments. Lc. Christ was sent by the Father "to bring good news to the poor, to heal the contrite of heart",(79) "to seek and to save what was lost". De fide catholica, cap. (50*) For in their locality these are the new People called by God, in the Holy Spirit and in much fullness. 4; Conc. They direct the conferring of baptism, by which a sharing in the kingly priesthood of Christ is granted. Encycl. She exhorts her children to purification and renewal so that the sign of Christ may shine more brightly over the face of the earth. S 19: PL 17, 479 C ct in Eph. The central document of the Second Vatican Council was Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. 46. Encycl. (21*) Although, however, all the faithful can baptize, the priest alone can complete the building up of the Body in the eucharistic sacrifice. For our Lord placed Simon alone as the rock and the bearer of the keys of the Church,(156) and made him shepherd of the whole flock;(157) it is evident, however, that the power of binding and loosing, which was given to Peter,(158) was granted also to the college of apostles, joined with their head. Chrysostomus, In Io. All men are called to belong to the new people of God. (10) Cfr. By. 46 (47) 2: PG 58, 78, de fermento in massa. 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. Trid., Sess. In this way, the whole Church, strengthened by each one of its members, may more effectively fulfill is mission for the life of the world. 2; Smyrn. Lumen Gentium begins with the Church as mystery (rather than the Church's hierarchical structures and government as did the documents of Vatican Council I) that is, the "paradoxical union of the human and divine." The Church exists in the here and now, yet has a goal "beyond history" when God will be all in all (1 Cor. 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). 67. Because this is so, this Sacred Synod gathers together in . 98 (215): Presbyteri, licet secundi sint sa erdotcs, pontificatus tamen api em non habent.. S. Cyprianus, Epist. 7, 111-116; Cow. Piously meditating on her and contemplating her in the light of the Word made man, the Church with reverence enters more intimately into the great mystery of the Incarnation and becomes more and more like her Spouse. 7, 26, 1 Io. 3. (17) Cfr. Apost. 37. (29) question is Lumen gentium 16.4 There are two other Vatican II texts that deal with this question Jesus' teaching being followed in light of the impending judgment and separation of those who are on very different paths. Gelasius I, Decretalis De libris recipiendis, 3: PL 59, 160, Denz. Vat. (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*). Summary - Lumen Gentium as an Ecumenical document. 1896: ASS 28 (1895-96) p. 732. Satis cognitum, 29 iun. : ibid. (15) De spirituali paupertate et oboedientia testimonia praccipua S.Scripturae et Patrum afferuntur in Relatione pp. Nicaenum. All the laity as a community and each one according to his ability must nourish the world with spiritual fruits. S. Augustinus Retract. They manifest this special property by means of the whole peoples' supernatural discernment in matters of faith when "from the Bishops down to the last of the lay faithful" (8*) they show universal agreement in matters of faith and morals. IV: Mansi 53, 290. cfr. 15, 296: PG 30, 637 C. (35) S. Coelestinus, Epist. 63, 7: PL 54, 3S7 C. (56) Traditio A postolica Hippolyti, 2-3: ed. Kleutgen, textus reformstus De mysterio Verbi incarnati, cap. 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. I XXlV, can. For the distinction which the Lord made between sacred ministers and the rest of the People of God bears within it a certain union, since pastors and the other faithful are bound to each other by a mutual need. But each of them, as a member of the episcopal college and legitimate successor of the apostles, is obliged by Christ's institution and command to be solicitous for the whole Church,(33*) and this solicitude, though it is not exercised by an act of jurisdiction, contributes greatly to the advantage of the universal Church. (17*) Mother Church never ceases to pray, hope and work that this may come about. 23, cap. Encycl. Apost. 8; Magn. (45*) The Roman Pontiff and the bishops, in view of their office and the importance of the matter, by fitting means diligently strive to inquire properly into that revelation and to give apt expression to its contents;(46*) but a new public revelation they do not accept as pertaining to the divine deposit of faith. Conc. This Temple, symbolized in places of worship built out of stone, is praised by the Holy Fathers and, not without reason, is compared in the liturgy to the Holy City, the New Jerusalem (5*). (171) Being taken from among men, and himself beset with weakness, he is able to have compassion on the ignorant and erring. (10*) For this reason, by no weak analogy, it is compared to the mystery of the incarnate Word. 590-591. 2; etc. Symbolum Apostolicum: Denz. Four Major Constitutions - Print versions at UST Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel. (39) Cfr. 3:21; 2 Tim.