6. The Church is a Communion of the saints, to use a traditional expression that is found in the Latin versions of the Apostles Creed from the end of the fourth century(22). The common visible sharing in the goods of salvation (the holy things), and especially in the Eucharist, is the source of the invisible communion among the sharers (the saints). This communion brings with it a spiritual solidarity among the members of the Church, insofar as they are members of one same Body(23), and it fosters their effective union in charity by constituting one heart and soul(24). Communion tends also towards union in prayer(25), inspired in all by one and the same Spirit(26), the Holy Spirit who fills and unites the whole Church(27). In its invisible elements, this communion exists not only among the members of the pilgrim(Militant) Church on earth, but also between these and all who, having passed from this world in the grace of the Lord, belong to the heavenly(Triumphant) Church or will be incorporated into it after having been fully purified(Suffering Church)(28). This means, among other things, that there is a mutual relationship between the pilgrim Church on earth and the heavenly Church in the historical-redemptive mission. Hence the ecclesiological importance not only of Christs intercession on behalf of his members(29), but also of that of the saints and, in an eminent fashion, of the Blessed Virgin Marys(30). Devotion to the saints, which is such a strong feature of the piety of the christian people, can thus be seen to correspond in its very essence to the profound reality of the Church as a mystery of communion. CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH: LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON SOME ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH UNDERSTOOD AS COMMUNION Art 1 par 6
Posted on: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 04:37:01 +0000
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