Dominus Iesus

[Isaiah45_9]

By Joseph Card. Ratzinger, Prefect

*The Sovereign Pontiff John Paul II, at the Audience of June 16, 2000, granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, with sure knowledge and by his apostolic authority, ratified and confirmed this Declaration, adopted in Plenary Session and ordered its publication.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, August 6, 2000, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.*

Link:
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000806_dominus-iesus_en.html

My eyes have been glued to this statement for the last 2 days.

At this point, this is what is jumping at me the most:

1. Therefore, there exists a single Church of Christ, which subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him.58 The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches.59 Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the Catholic Church, since they do not accept the Catholic doctrine of the Primacy, which, according to the will of God, the Bishop of Rome objectively has and exercises over the entire Church.60

On the other hand, the ecclesial communities which have not preserved the valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery,61 are not Churches in the proper sense; however, those who are baptized in these communities are, by Baptism, incorporated in Christ and thus are in a certain communion, albeit imperfect, with the Church.62 Baptism in fact tends per se toward the full development of life in Christ, through the integral profession of faith, the Eucharist, and full communion in the Church.63

“The Christian faithful are therefore not permitted to imagine that the Church of Christ is nothing more than a collection — divided, yet in some way one — of Churches and ecclesial communities; nor are they free to hold that today the Church of Christ nowhere really exists, and must be considered only as a goal which all Churches and ecclesial communities must strive to reach”.64 In fact, “the elements of this already-given Church exist, joined together in their fullness in the Catholic Church and, without this fullness, in the other communities”.65 “Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such, though we believe they suffer from defects, have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church”.66

The lack of unity among Christians is certainly a wound for the Church; not in the sense that she is deprived of her unity, but “in that it hinders the complete fulfilment of her universality in history”.67

Just wanted to share this :grouphug:

In Him,

Jose

 

[ChrisB103]

Beautiful words from the current successor of Peter. May we all pray that Christianity’s unity will be restored on Christ’s terms, and that we may all work to be instruments of the unification.

 

[steve_b]

By Joseph Card. Ratzinger, Prefect

The Sovereign Pontiff John Paul II, at the Audience of June 16, 2000, granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, with sure knowledge and by his apostolic authority, ratified and confirmed this Declaration, adopted in Plenary Session and ordered its publication.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, August 6, 2000, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Link:
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000806_dominus-iesus_en.html

My eyes have been glued to this statement for the last 2 days.

At this point, this is what is jumping at me the most:

Just wanted to share this :grouphug:

In Him,

Jose

Is there anything about this statement that you want to discuss?

17. Therefore, there exists a single Church of Christ, which subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him.58 The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches.59 Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the Catholic Church, since they do not accept the Catholic doctrine of the Primacy, which, according to the will of God, the Bishop of Rome objectively has and exercises over the entire Church.60

On the other hand, the ecclesial communities which have not preserved the valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery,61 are not Churches in the proper sense; however, those who are baptized in these communities are, by Baptism, incorporated in Christ and thus are in a certain communion, albeit imperfect, with the Church.62 Baptism in fact tends per se toward the full development of life in Christ, through the integral profession of faith, the Eucharist, and full communion in the Church.63

“The Christian faithful are therefore not permitted to imagine that the Church of Christ is nothing more than a collection — divided, yet in some way one — of Churches and ecclesial communities; nor are they free to hold that today the Church of Christ nowhere really exists, and must be considered only as a goal which all Churches and ecclesial communities must strive to reach”.64 In fact, “the elements of this already-given Church exist, joined together in their fullness in the Catholic Church and, without this fullness, in the other communities”.65 “Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such, though we believe they suffer from defects, have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church”.66

*The lack of unity among Christians is certainly a wound for the Church; not in the sense that she is deprived of her unity, but “in that it hinders the complete fulfilment of her universality in history”.67 *

 

[Isaiah45_9]

Is there anything about this statement that you want to discuss?

17. Therefore, there exists a single Church of Christ, which subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him.58 The Churches which, while not existing in perfect communion with the Catholic Church, remain united to her by means of the closest bonds, that is, by apostolic succession and a valid Eucharist, are true particular Churches.59 Therefore, the Church of Christ is present and operative also in these Churches, even though they lack full communion with the Catholic Church, since they do not accept the Catholic doctrine of the Primacy, which, according to the will of God, the Bishop of Rome objectively has and exercises over the entire Church.60

On the other hand, the ecclesial communities which have not preserved the valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery,61 are not Churches in the proper sense; however, those who are baptized in these communities are, by Baptism, incorporated in Christ and thus are in a certain communion, albeit imperfect, with the Church.62 Baptism in fact tends per se toward the full development of life in Christ, through the integral profession of faith, the Eucharist, and full communion in the Church.63

“The Christian faithful are therefore not permitted to imagine that the Church of Christ is nothing more than a collection — divided, yet in some way one — of Churches and ecclesial communities; nor are they free to hold that today the Church of Christ nowhere really exists, and must be considered only as a goal which all Churches and ecclesial communities must strive to reach”.64 In fact, “the elements of this already-given Church exist, joined together in their fullness in the Catholic Church and, without this fullness, in the other communities”.65 “Therefore, these separated Churches and communities as such, though we believe they suffer from defects, have by no means been deprived of significance and importance in the mystery of salvation. For the spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as means of salvation which derive their efficacy from the very fullness of grace and truth entrusted to the Catholic Church”.66

The lack of unity among Christians is certainly a wound for the Church; not in the sense that she is deprived of her unity, but “in that it hinders the complete fulfilment of her universality in history”.67

1st bold:

I miss the Eucharist so much. I also miss going to the Confessional every week, or more . Every time I participate with crackers and grape juice it just doesn’t feel right. Funny thing is that for a Sola Scriptura defender this is the most contradictory thing to do! You can argue that the wine was kinda of sweet or whatever, but come on, it’s pretty clear. Also, it clearly says bread. All my Catholic upbringing was in Spanish and I don’t know if you are aware or not but the jump from Latin to Spanish is significantly easier than English. And so is Greek, imho. I don’t remember us having so many issues with words as the English speaking Scriptures.

Going back to your question, lol.

The 2nd bold:

Christianity, as a whole, is not setting a good example to the world (secular, etc). Our divisions hurts them more than ourselves because we a failing on being good stewards of the grace we have been given. Reading one of our most magnificent minds express this issue in such humble words is very comforting and fuels my hope for reconciliation.

In Him,

Jose

 

[Newsy]

Having come home to Rome, I want most of all, for everyone to experience a homecoming like mine. I want the unity that Christ prayed for. It hurts to be separated, we need unity. You are right, we are not showing the world the way to Christ, we are showing them how siblings quarrel.

This was a beautiful quote from our Pope. Man, I never thought I would say that!

Pray for unity!

Are you thinking about coming back? I saw you had posted about a meeting with a priest, hope all went well. PM me if you want.

Newsy

 

[steve_b]

1st bold:

I miss the Eucharist so much. I also miss going to the Confessional every week, or more . Every time I participate with crackers and grape juice it just doesn’t feel right. Funny thing is that for a Sola Scriptura defender this is the most contradictory thing to do! You can argue that the wine was kinda of sweet or whatever, but come on, it’s pretty clear. Also, it clearly says bread. All my Catholic upbringing was in Spanish and I don’t know if you are aware or not but the jump from Latin to Spanish is significantly easier than English. And so is Greek, imho. I don’t remember us having so many issues with words as the English speaking Scriptures.

Going back to your question, lol.

The 2nd bold:

Christianity, as a whole, is not setting a good example to the world (secular, etc). Our divisions hurts them more than ourselves because we a failing on being good stewards of the grace we have been given. Reading one of our most magnificent minds express this issue in such humble words is very comforting and fuels my hope for reconciliation.

In Him,

Jose

How close are you to returning home? What caused your seperation?

 

[Isaiah45_9]

Thanks Newsy!

I’m meeting with the Priest today in the afternoon

I might find out in the afternoon Steve

In a nutshell, my separation involved theological questions and lack of answers and support combined with me giving myself up to the world and not persisting in my faith. Mostly my fault.

In Him,

Jose

 

[Newsy]

Thanks Newsy!

I’m meeting with the Priest today in the afternoon

I might find out in the afternoon Steve

In a nutshell, my separation involved theological questions and lack of answers and support combined with me giving myself up to the world and not persisting in my faith. Mostly my fault.

In Him,

Jose

Prayers for you.

 

[Isaiah45_9]

Laus Deo!