August 21 - St Pius X
The Nolalu Barn Owl
and parish clerk, entered the seminary at Padua to begin his
education. However, his father died when Giuseppe was sixteen and he
considered dropping out of the seminary because of his family's
financial difficulties. His mother, however, insisted that he continue
his studies. Giuseppe was ordained at the age of 23. For seventeen
years he worked in pastoral ministry before becoming a bishop and
eventually being named a cardinal. After Pope Leo XIII died, Giuseppe
Sarto, the first "peasant" pope since the middle ages, took the name
of Pius X. He immediately set about codifying canon law and revising
the Vulgate, the psalter and the breviary. Pius X is noted for urging
more frequent reception of communion for everyone and for lowering the
age for the reception of communion by children. He encouraged church
members to become involved in political matters and made instruction
in the catechism mandatory. His writings show his opposition to
"modernist" ideas in theology and philosophy. Having observed a
lifestyle marked by simplicity and poverty, Pius X died in 1914, soon
after the outbreak of World War I.
The collection of psalms found in Scripture, composed as it was
under divine inspiration, has, from the very beginnings of the Church,
shown a wonderful power of fostering devotion among Christians. --Pope
Pius X
Scripture
(New Revised Standard Version)
O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How
unsearchable are God's judgments and how inscrutable God's ways! "For
who has known the mind of our God, or has given God counsel? Or who
has given so much that they might expect recompense?" To God be glory
forever, from whom and through whom and to whom all things are. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked
his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they
said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others
Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say
that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the
living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of
Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father
in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will
build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I
will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind
on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will
be loosed in heaven." Then Jesus sternly ordered the disciples not to
tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Matthew 16:13-20
Quote of the Day
(Jeff Behrens)
"We discover something very close to God in listening and sharing at
table through the passing and sharing of wine, milk, butter and love,
and realizing that there is far more taking place than physical
nourishment. Lives are being blended, are becoming a part of each
other."
This version taken from:
http://www.msb.net/Saint_of_the_day/8_21.htm
--
Gordie
'From this then, we draw up our demurrer: If the Lord Jesus Christ sent the
Apostles to preach, no others ought to be received except those appointed
by Christ. For no one knows the Father except the Son, and to him whom
the Son gives a revelation. Nor does it seem that the Son has given revelation
to any others than the Apostles, whom He sent forth to preach what He
revealed to them.'
- Tertullian, The Prescription [Demurrer] Against the Heretics: (200 A.D.)
(This is a Pre-Constantine source and like in all other instances that I am able to find
- there is no difference between the Pre and Post Constantine practice.
In other words, Constantine didn't change this doctrine)
Doc Watson
<gordie@nolalu.on.ca>
said the following funny stuff in this here little old new 'froup:
>Pius X
kindly keep this romanist CRAP out of the Baptist group.,
~ Cindy
> Saint Pius X (1835-1914),
snip...
Ahh.. The man who has divided the Catholic Church between those who are
pro-Vaatican 2 and those who are Anti-Vatican 2... most of the pre
Vatican 2 believers support the Roman Churches dark ages stances and
mandates, and acts. and some even identify the Popes since Vatican 2
as heretics, schizmatics, or anti- Popes along with all Protestants,
Jews etc, according to Pius X's infallible teachings and decrees. Mel
Gibson is just one example, acknowledging that his wife was a better
Christian then he, but also staing that according to the doctrines of
the Church (Rome) which he followed and believed that she was a heretic
and damned.
Some more on one of these groups many of whom have been criticized in
European nations for their political views and policies regarding a
Universal Catholic State as well as Church
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_St._Pius_X
Prophesies attributed to this so called Saint:
"I left behind with you many writings, warning of what was to come
about when I left your earth. Why have you cast them aside? They were
inspired from the Father. You are traveling now onto the road of
modernism, and rationalizing your offenses against the Father." St.
Pius X, October 2, 1973
"Strength in the Holy See! Man wearing the robe of the cleric must be
excommunicated so that he may not contaminate the world with errors of
modernism. You shall not remain with a soul when there are millions and
thousands of souls to be saved.
"Discipline, rigid discipline must be restored. The founding
Fathers gave you the example and the knowledge, but you want change.
The Father expects no change. Truth is truth. It is only satan who
wishes to destroy the truth in change." - St. Pius X, March 18, 1974
"I recognized, my child, the evils that were to fall upon the world.
Search for the knowledge I have left to you. I, too, was enlightened by
the Holy Spirit. Read well the legacy of truth that I left to you.
Modernism must be erased from your world!" - St. Pius X, September 7,
1974
Note how this "spirit" is concerned with erasing Romes definition of
heresy from the world and not just their Roman Church???
> Pius X is noted for urging more frequent reception of communion for everyone
and mass is mandatory on ALL Sundays and Catholic Holy days, or else be
damned...
1 Q: Besides the Commandments of God what else must we observe?
A: Besides the Commandments of God we must also observe the Precepts of
the Church.
2 Q: Are we obliged to obey the Church?
A: Undoubtedly we are obliged to obey the Church, because Jesus Christ
Himself commands us to do so, and because the Precepts of the Church
help us to observe the Commandments of God.
3 Q: When does the obligation to observe the Precepts of the Church
begin to bind?
A: As a rule the obligation to observe the Precepts of the Church
begins to bind us as soon as we come to the age of reason.
4 Q: Is it a sin to transgress a Precept of the Church?
A: Knowingly to transgress a Precept of the Church in grave matter is a
mortal sin.
7 Q: What does the First Precept of the Church: To hear Mass on all
Sundays and on Holy days of obligation, order us to do?
A: The First Precept of the Church: To hear Mass on all Sundays and on
Holy days of obligations, orders us to assist devoutly at Mass on all
Sundays and on Holy days of obligation.
11 Q: Why in the First Precept of the Church is special mention made of
the Lord's day?
A: In the First Precept of the Church special mention is made of the
Lord's Day, because it is the principal Christian festival, as the
Sabbath was the principal Jewish festival, and because it was
instituted by God Himself.
-- Catechism of St PiusX
> He encouraged church members to become involved in political matters
Yep, just like the Jesuits did during the reformation to combat
Protestantism, and still do, along with Opes Dei.
To model nations according to Rome and thus bring about unity as
defined by Rome, to enforce the Roman Catholic teachings on all, not
blatently as a dictator like they did during the dark ages, but in
order for people to think they made this choice themselves with eyes
wide open for the good of all, in opposition to secularism brought
about by a division of Church and State.
"It is error to believe that Every man is free to embrace and profess
that religion which, guided by the light of reason, he shall consider
true." Pope Pius IX, The Syllabus (of Errors), Issued in 1864, Section
III, Indifferentism, Latitudinarianism, #15.
They [Catholics] must penetrate wherever possible in the administration
of civil affairs... all Catholics should do all in their power to cause
the constitution of states, and legislation to be modeled on the
principles of the true Church." -Encyclical of Leo XIII.
"The Catholic Church in this nation must live on to accomplish her
work,
even though our Republican form of government disappears." -The
Catholic
World, April, 1935, p.12.
Anyone heard the so called protestant moral majority shouting about the
evilness and unconstitutionality of a division of Church and State
lately?????
> and made instruction in the catechism mandatory.
Yes.. just read the introduction to it! According to Rome you have no
liberty of conscience, the church tells ALL including non-catholics
what to believe and do, and any who disagrees with it or disobeys it,
is a heretic, apostate. and damned, as there is ONLY salvation through
the Roman Catholic Church, and none of this modern post Vatican 2 wishy
washy definition of who is meant by that.
Don't believe me? read the post which follows.this one. The recent
Vatican Ecumenical documents concerning not evangelizing the Jews, or
statements about pagans being saved without knowing Jesus, and
"seperated brethren" cannot be justified according to Pius' Catechism,
and is condemned in his syllabus as modernistic apologetics and heresy
in an attempt to bring all into union with Rome.
> His writings show his opposition to "modernist" ideas in theology and philosophy.
Calling it the synthesis of all heresies (Pascendi Dominici gregis,
39). and most modern Catholics, (and going by posts on these newsgroups
that includes almost all here) stand condemned by it themselves.
It reafirms and embraces Pius IX's syllabus of errors as well, in which
among many things he declares:
It is error to believe that] "hence it has been wisely decided by
law,
in some Catholic countries, that persons coming to reside therein shall
enjoy the public exercise of their own peculiar worship." Pope Pius IX,
The Syllabus (of Errors), Issued in 1864, Section X, Errors Having
Reference to Modern Liberalism, #78.
[It is error to believe that] . The Church has not the power of
using force, nor has she any temporal power, direct or indirect. ibid
#24
Read what Pius X condemned here:
http://www.ewtn.org/library/CURIA/CDFLAMEN.HTM
http://www.ewtn.org/library/ENCYC/P10PASCE.HTM
"all these matters were accurately reported to our Most Holy Lord
[???], Pope Pius X. His Holiness [???] approved and confirmed the
decree of the Most Eminent Fathers and ordered that each and every one
of the above-listed propositions be held by all as condemned and
proscribed." Peter Palombelli, Notary of the Holy Roman and Universal
Inquisition
LAMENTABILI SANE ,Syllabus Condemning The Errors Of The Modernists,
Holy Roman and Universal Inquisition,Under Pius X July 3, 1907
see also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modernism_%28Roman_Catholicism%29
On 19 March 1904, Pius X created a special congregation of eminent
authorities throughout the world to reorganize the laws of the Church
which had developed over hundreds of years. The work of this
commission led to the publication of the Code of Canon Law ("Codex
iuris canonici") by Benedict XV on 27 May 1917
Interestingly enough the new Pope, Benedict XVI, Ratzinger, former head
of the Inquisition, nicknamed "the enforcer" by his fans, shares these
same views. Modernism continues to be condemned by the Church
hierarchy. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger ( Pope Benedict XVI ) and others
have done much in recent decades to prevent its spread. And it is
generally accepted that measures taken under Pope Pius X led in several
cases to injustices being perpetrated against orthodox Catholics, and
that structures of ecclesial espionage characterised the Pius X period.
If this new Pope lives long enough, some post Vatican -2 Catholics are
going to be in for a shock and may find themselves "Protestant". That's
not really a bad thing, we've always known Jesus is calling to his
people to come out of the Roman system. That's who we are posting to.
Knowing that Prophecy is given in part as Jesus said "so when it comes
to pass you might believe".
But in order to recognize them you have to first understand, so back to
the life and mission of the Son of God who declared He was the way, the
truth, and the life and that no man cometh to the Father except by Him,
and that the truth would set you free:
==========
- The Passover Visit
Among the Jews the twelfth year was the dividing line between
childhood and youth. On completing this year a Hebrew boy was called a
son of the law, and also a son of God. He was given special
opportunities for religious instruction, and was expected to
participate in the sacred feasts and observances. It was in accordance
with this custom that Jesus in His boyhood made the Passover visit to
Jerusalem. Like all devout Israelites, Joseph and Mary went up every
year to attend the Passover; and when Jesus had reached the required
age, they took Him with them.
There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and
the Feast of Tabernacles, at which all the men of Israel were commanded
to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem. Of these feasts the Passover
was the most largely attended. Many were present from all countries
where the Jews were scattered. From every part of Palestine the
worshipers came in great numbers. The journey from Galilee occupied
several days, and the travelers united in large companies for
companionship and protection. The women and aged men rode upon oxen or
asses over the steep and rocky roads. The stronger men and the youth
journeyed on foot. The time of the Passover corresponded to the close
of March or the beginning of April, and the whole land was bright with
flowers, and glad with the song of birds. All along the way were spots
memorable in the history of Israel, and fathers and mothers recounted
to their children the wonders that God had wrought for His people in
ages past. They beguiled their journey with song and music, and when at
last the towers of Jerusalem came into view, every voice joined in the
triumphant strain,--
"Our feet shall stand
Within thy gates, O Jerusalem. . . .
Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces."
Ps. 122: 2-7.
The observance of the Passover began with the birth of the Hebrew
nation. On the last night of their bondage in Egypt, when there
appeared no token of deliverance, God commanded them to prepare for an
immediate release. He had warned Pharaoh of the final judgment on the
Egyptians, and He directed the Hebrews to gather their families within
their own dwellings. Having sprinkled the doorposts with the blood of
the slain lamb, they were to eat the lamb, roasted, with unleavened
bread and bitter herbs. "And thus shall ye eat it," He said, "with your
loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and
ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's passover." Ex. 12:11. At
midnight all the first-born of the Egyptians were slain. Then the king
sent to Israel the message, "Rise up, and get you forth from among my
people; . . . and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said." Ex. 12:31. The
Hebrews went out from Egypt an independent nation. The Lord had
commanded that the Passover should be yearly kept. "It shall come to
pass," He said, "when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by
this service? that ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's
passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in
Egypt, when He smote the Egyptians." Thus from generation to generation
the story of this wonderful deliverance was to be repeated.
The Passover was followed by the seven days' feast of unleavened
bread. On the second day of the feast, the first fruits of the year's
harvest, a sheaf of barley, was presented before the Lord. All the
ceremonies of the feast were types of the work of Christ. The
deliverance of Israel from Egypt was an object lesson of redemption,
which the Passover was intended to keep in memory. The slain lamb, the
unleavened bread, the sheaf of first fruits, represented the Saviour.
With most of the people in the days of Christ, the observance of
this feast had degenerated into formalism. But what was its
significance to the Son of God!
For the first time the child Jesus looked upon the temple. He saw
the white-robed priests performing their solemn ministry. He beheld the
bleeding victim upon the altar of sacrifice. With the worshipers He
bowed in prayer, while the cloud of incense ascended before God. He
witnessed the impressive rites of the paschal service. Day by day He
saw their meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to be bound up with
His own life. New impulses were awakening within Him. Silent and
absorbed, He seemed to be studying out a great problem. The mystery of
His mission was opening to the Saviour.
Rapt in the contemplation of these scenes, He did not remain
beside His parents. He sought to be alone. When the paschal services
were ended, He still lingered in the temple courts; and when the
worshipers departed from Jerusalem, He was left behind.
In this visit to Jerusalem, the parents of Jesus wished to bring
Him in connection with the great teachers in Israel. While He was
obedient in every particular to the word of God, He did not conform to
the rabbinical rites and usages. Joseph and Mary hoped that He might be
led to reverence the learned rabbis, and give more diligent heed to
their requirements. But Jesus in the temple had been taught by God.
That which He had received, He began at once to impart.
At that day an apartment connected with the temple was devoted to
a sacred school, after the manner of the schools of the prophets. Here
leading rabbis with their pupils assembled, and hither the child Jesus
came. Seating Himself at the feet of these grave, learned men, He
listened to their instruction. As one seeking for wisdom, He questioned
these teachers in regard to the prophecies, and to events then taking
place that pointed to the advent of the Messiah.
Jesus presented Himself as one thirsting for a knowledge of God.
His questions were suggestive of deep truths which had long been
obscured, yet which were vital to the salvation of souls. While showing
how narrow and superficial was the wisdom of the wise men, every
question put before them a divine lesson, and placed truth in a new
aspect. The rabbis spoke of the wonderful elevation which the Messiah's
coming would bring to the Jewish nation; but Jesus presented the
prophecy of Isaiah, and asked them the meaning of those scriptures that
point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God.
The doctors turned upon Him with questions, and they were amazed
at His answers. With the humility of a child He repeated the words of
Scripture, giving them a depth of meaning that the wise men had not
conceived of. If followed, the lines of truth He pointed out would have
worked a reformation in the religion of the day. A deep interest in
spiritual things would have been awakened; and when Jesus began His
ministry, many would have been prepared to receive Him.
The rabbis knew that Jesus had not been instructed in their
schools; yet His understanding of the prophecies far exceeded theirs.
In this thoughtful Galilean boy they discerned great promise. They
desired to gain Him as a student, that He might become a teacher in
Israel. They wanted to have charge of His education, feeling that a
mind so original must be brought under their molding.
The words of Jesus had moved their hearts as they had never before
been moved by words from human lips. God was seeking to give light to
those leaders in Israel, and He used the only means by which they could
be reached. In their pride they would have scorned to admit that they
could receive instruction from anyone. If Jesus had appeared to be
trying to teach them, they would have disdained to listen. But they
flattered themselves that they were teaching Him, or at least testing
His knowledge of the Scriptures. The youthful modesty and grace of
Jesus disarmed their prejudices. Unconsciously their minds were opened
to the word of God, and the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts.
They could not but see that their expectation in regard to the
Messiah was not sustained by prophecy; but they would not renounce the
theories that had flattered their ambition. They would not admit that
they had misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed to teach. From one
to another passed the inquiry, How hath this youth knowledge, having
never learned? The light was shining in darkness; but "the darkness
apprehended it not." John 1:5, R. V.
Meanwhile Joseph and Mary were in great perplexity and distress.
In the departure from Jerusalem they had lost sight of Jesus, and they
knew not that He had tarried behind. The country was then densely
populated, and the caravans from Galilee were very large. There was
much confusion as they left the city. On the way the pleasure of
traveling with friends and acquaintances absorbed their attention, and
they did not notice His absence till night came on. Then as they halted
for rest, they missed the helpful hand of their child. Supposing Him to
be with their company, they had felt no anxiety. Young as He was, they
had trusted Him implicitly, expecting that when needed, He would be
ready to assist them, anticipating their wants as He had always done.
But now their fears were roused. They searched for Him throughout their
company, but in vain. Shuddering they remembered how Herod had tried to
destroy Him in His infancy. Dark forebodings filled their hearts. They
bitterly reproached themselves.
Returning to Jerusalem, they pursued their search. The next day,
as they mingled with the worshipers in the temple, a familiar voice
arrested their attention. They could not mistake it; no other voice was
like His, so serious and earnest, yet so full of melody.
In the school of the rabbis they found Jesus. Rejoiced as they
were, they could not forget their grief and anxiety. When He was with
them again, the mother said, in words that implied reproof, "Son, why
hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee
sorrowing."
"How is it that ye sought Me?" answered Jesus. "Wist ye not that I
must be about My Father's business?" And as they seemed not to
understand His words, He pointed upward. On His face was a light at
which they wondered. Divinity was flashing through humanity. On finding
Him in the temple, they had listened to what was passing between Him
and the rabbis, and they were astonished at His questions and answers.
His words started a train of thought that would never be forgotten.
And His question to them had a lesson. "Wist ye not," He said,
"that I must be about My Father's business?" Jesus was engaged in the
work that He had come into the world to do; but Joseph and Mary had
neglected theirs. God had shown them high honor in committing to them
His Son. Holy angels had directed the course of Joseph in order to
preserve the life of Jesus. But for an entire day they had lost sight
of Him whom they should not have forgotten for a moment. And when their
anxiety was relieved, they had not censured themselves, but had cast
the blame upon Him.
It was natural for the parents of Jesus to look upon Him as their
own child. He was daily with them, His life in many respects was like
that of other children, and it was difficult for them to realize that
He was the Son of God. They were in danger of failing to appreciate the
blessing granted them in the presence of the world's Redeemer. The
grief of their separation from Him, and the gentle reproof which His
words conveyed, were designed to impress them with the sacredness of
their trust.
In the answer to His mother, Jesus showed for the first time that
He understood His relation to God. Before His birth the angel had said
to Mary, "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the
Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father
David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever." Luke 1:32,
33. These words Mary had pondered in her heart; yet while she believed
that her child was to be Israel's Messiah, she did not comprehend His
mission. Now she did not understand His words; but she knew that He had
disclaimed kinship to Joseph, and had declared His Sonship to God.
Jesus did not ignore His relation to His earthly parents. From
Jerusalem He returned home with them, and aided them in their life of
toil. He hid in His own heart the mystery of His mission, waiting
submissively for the appointed time for Him to enter upon His work. For
eighteen years after He had recognized that He was the Son of God, He
acknowledged the tie that bound Him to the home at Nazareth, and
performed the duties of a son, a brother, a friend, and a citizen.
As His mission had opened to Jesus in the temple, He shrank from
contact with the multitude. He wished to return from Jerusalem in
quietness, with those who knew the secret of His life. By the paschal
service, God was seeking to call His people away from their worldly
cares, and to remind them of His wonderful work in their deliverance
from Egypt. In this work He desired them to see a promise of
deliverance from sin. As the blood of the slain lamb sheltered the
homes of Israel, so the blood of Christ was to save their souls; but
they could be saved through Christ only as by faith they should make
His life their own. There was virtue in the symbolic service only as it
directed the worshipers to Christ as their personal Saviour. God
desired that they should be led to prayerful study and meditation in
regard to Christ's mission. But as the multitudes left Jerusalem, the
excitement of travel and social intercourse too often absorbed their
attention, and the service they had witnessed was forgotten. The
Saviour was not attracted to their company.
As Joseph and Mary should return from Jerusalem alone with Jesus,
He hoped to direct their minds to the prophecies of the suffering
Saviour. Upon Calvary He sought to lighten His mother's grief. He was
thinking of her now. Mary was to witness His last agony, and Jesus
desired her to understand His mission, that she might be strengthened
to endure, when the sword should pierce through her soul. As Jesus had
been separated from her, and she had sought Him sorrowing three days,
so when He should be offered up for the sins of the world, He would
again be lost to her for three days. And as He should come forth from
the tomb, her sorrow would again be turned to joy. But how much better
she could have borne the anguish of His death if she had understood the
Scriptures to which He was now trying to turn her thoughts!
If Joseph and Mary had stayed their minds upon God by meditation
and prayer, they would have realized the sacredness of their trust, and
would not have lost sight of Jesus. By one day's neglect they lost the
Saviour; but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So
with us; by idle talk, evilspeaking, or neglect of prayer, we may in
one day lose the Saviour's presence, and it may take many days of
sorrowful search to find Him, and regain the peace that we have lost.
In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we
forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we
become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in
whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from
Jesus and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain
where the Saviour's presence is not desired, and His absence is not
marked. This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed
followers of Christ.
Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by
the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and
prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than
before they received it. Often they feel that God has dealt hardly with
them. They do not see that the fault is their own. By separating
themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence.
It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in
contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point,
and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones.
As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him
will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more
deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must
learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.
As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If
we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to
talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts
will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His
character, we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to
glory." 2 Cor. 3:18.
quoting from The Desire of Ages, chapter 7, by Ellen White
~ Cindy
snip...
To Catholics and Non-catholics alike
Apologetics and "doublespeak" abound in our post Vatican 2 ecumenical
world, but don''t be confused as to what the Roman Catholic Church
really teaches regarding who and what the Church is, and what and who
it is is not, and about you, your beliefs, your teachings, and your
salvation or damnation according to her decrees.
"We define that the Holy Apostolic See [the Vatican] and the Roman
Pontiff hold the primacy over the whole world."-A Decree of the Council
of Trent, quoted in Philippe Labbe and Gabriel Cossart, "The Most Holy
Councils," col. 1167
THE CATECHISM OF ST. PIUS X
The Ninth Article of the Creed
The Church in General
1 Q: What does the Ninth article: The Holy Catholic Church, the
Communion of Saints, teach us?
A: The Ninth Article of the Creed teaches us that Jesus Christ founded
a visible society on earth called the Catholic Church, and that all
those who belong to this Church are in communion with one another.
2 Q: Why immediately after the article that treats of the Holy Ghost is
mention made of the Catholic Church?
A: Immediately after the article that treats of the Holy Ghost mention
is made of the Catholic Church to indicate that the Church's holiness
comes from the Holy Ghost, who is the Author of all holiness.
3 Q: What does the word Church mean?
A: The word Church means a calling forth or assembly of many.
4 Q: Who has convoked or called us into the Church of Jesus Christ?
A: We have been called into the Church of Jesus Christ by a special
grace of God, to the end, that by the light of faith and the observance
of the divine law, we may render Him the worship due to Him, and attain
eternal life.
5 Q: Where are the members of the Church to be found?
A: The members of the Church are found partly in heaven, forming the
Church Triumphant; partly in purgatory, forming the Church Suffering;
partly on earth, forming the Church Militant.
6 Q: Do these various parts of the Church constitute one sole Church?
A: Yes, these various parts of the Church constitute one sole Church
and one sole body for they have the same Head, Jesus Christ, the same
Spirit animating and uniting them, and the same end, eternal happiness,
which some already enjoy and the rest hope for.
7 Q: To which part of the Church does this Ninth Article principally
refer?
A: This Ninth Article of the Creed principally refers to the Church
Militant, which is the Church we actually belong to.
The Church in Particular
8 Q: What is the Catholic Church?
A: The Catholic Church is the Union or Congregation of all the baptized
who, still living on earth, profess the same Faith and the same Law of
Jesus Christ, participate in the same Sacraments, and obey their lawful
Pastors, particularly the Roman Pontiff.
9 Q: State distinctly what is necessary to be a member of the Church?
A: To be a member of the Church it is necessary to be baptized, to
believe and profess the teaching of Jesus Christ, to participate in the
same Sacraments, and to acknowledge the Pope and the other lawful
pastors of the Church.
10 Q: Who are the lawful pastors of the Church?
A: The lawful pastors of the Church are the Roman Pontiff, that is, the
Pope, who is Supreme Pastor, and the Bishops. Other priests, also, and
especially Parish Priests, have a share in the pastoral office, subject
to the Bishop and the Pope.
11 Q: Why do you say that the Roman Pontiff is supreme Pastor of the
Church?
A: Because Jesus Christ said to St. Peter, the first Pope: "Thou art
Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and I will give to
thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatsoever thee shalt bind
on earth shall be bound also in Heaven, and whatsoever the shallot
loose on earth shall be loosed also in Heaven." And again: "Feed My
lambs, feed My sheep."
12 Q: The many societies of persons who are baptized but who do not
acknowledge the Roman Pontiff as their Head do not, then, belong to the
Church of Jesus Christ?
A: No, those who do not acknowledge the Roman Pontiff as their Head do
not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.
13 Q: How can the Church of Jesus Christ be distinguished from the
numerous societies or sects founded by men, and calling themselves
Christian?
A: From the numerous societies or sects founded by men and calling
themselves Christian, the Church of Jesus Christ is easily
distinguished by four marks: She is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
14 Q: Why is the Church called One?
A: The true Church is called One, because her children of all ages and
places are united together in the same faith, in the same worship, in
the same law; and in participation of the same Sacraments, under the
same visible Head, the Roman Pontiff.
15 Q: Can there not be several Churches?
A: No, there cannot be more than one Church; for as there is but one
God, one Faith and one Baptism, there is and can be but one true
Church.
16 Q: But are not the faithful of a whole Nation or Diocese also called
a Church?
A: The faithful of a whole Nation or Diocese are also called a Church,
but they ever remain mere parts of the Universal Church and form but
one Church with her.
17 Q: Why is the true Church called Holy?
A: The true church is called Holy because holy is her Invisible Head,
Jesus Christ; holy are many of her members; holy are her faith, her
laws, her Sacraments; and outside of her there is not and cannot be
true holiness.
18 Q: Why is the Church called Catholic?
A: The true Church is called Catholic, or Universal, because she
embraces the faithful of all times, of all places, of all ages and
conditions; and all peoples are called to belong to her.
19 Q: Why is the Church also called Apostolic?
A: The true Church is also called Apostolic because she goes back
without a break to the Apostles; because she believes and teaches all
that the Apostles believed and taught; and because she is guided and
governed by their lawful successors.
20 Q: And why is the true Church called Roman?
A: The true Church is called Roman, because the four marks of Unity,
Sanctity, Catholicity and Apostolicity are found in that Church alone
which acknowledges as Head the Bishop of Rome, the Successor of St.
Peter.
21 Q: What is the constitution of the Church of Jesus Christ?
A: The Church of Jesus Christ has been constituted as a true and
perfect Society; and in her we can distinguish a soul and a body.
22 Q: In what does the Soul of the Church consist?
A: The Soul of the Church consists in her internal and spiritual
endowments, that is, faith, hope, charity, the gifts of grace and of
the Holy Ghost, together with all the heavenly treasures which are hers
through the merits of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and of the Saints.
23 Q: In what does the Body of the Church consist?
A: The Body of the Church consists in her external and visible aspect,
that is, in the association of her members, in her worship, in her
teaching-power and in her external rule and government.
24 Q: To be saved, is it enough to be any sort of member of the
Catholic Church?
A: No, to be saved it is not enough to be any sort of member of the
Catholic Church; it is necessary to be a living member.
25 Q: Who are the living members of the Church?
A: The living members of the Church are the just, and the just alone,
that is, those who are actually in the grace of God.
26 Q: And who are the dead members?
A: The dead members of the Church are the faithful in mortal sin.
27 Q: Can one be saved outside the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman
Church?
A: No, no one can be saved outside the Catholic, Apostolic Roman
Church, just as no one could be saved from the flood outside the Ark of
Noah, which was a figure of the Church.
28 Q: How, then, were the Patriarchs of old, the Prophets, and the
other just men of the Old Testament, saved?
A: The just of the Old Testament were saved in virtue of the faith they
had in Christ to come, by means of which they spiritually belonged to
the Church.
29 Q: But if a man through no fault of his own is outside the Church,
can he be saved?
A: If he is outside the Church through no fault of his, that is, if he
is in good faith, and if he has received Baptism, or at least has the
implicit desire of Baptism; and if, moreover, he sincerely seeks the
truth and does God's will as best he can such a man is indeed separated
from the body of the Church, but is united to the soul of the Church
and consequently is on the way of salvation
30 Q: Suppose that a man is a member of the Catholic Church, but does
not put her teaching into practice, will he be saved?
A: He who is a member of the Catholic Church and does not put her
teaching into practice is a dead member, and hence will not be saved;
for towards the salvation of an adult not only Baptism and faith are
required, but, furthermore, works in keeping with faith.
31 Q: Are we obliged to believe all the truths the Church teaches us?
A: Yes, we are obliged to believe all the truths the Church teaches us,
and Jesus Christ declares that he who does not believe is already
condemned.
32 Q: Are we also obliged to do all that the Church commands?
A: Yes, we are obliged to do all that the Church commands, for Jesus
Christ has said to the Pastors of the Church: "He who hears you, hears
Me, and he who despises you, despises Me."
33 Q: Can the Church err in what she proposes for our belief?
A: No, the Church cannot err in what she proposes for our belief, since
according to the promise of Jesus Christ she is unfailingly assisted by
the Holy Ghost.
34 Q: Is the Catholic Church infallible, then?
A: Yes, the Catholic Church is infallible, and hence those who reject
her definitions lose the faith and become heretics.
35 Q: Can the Catholic Church be destroyed or perish?
A: No; the Catholic Church may be persecuted, but she can never be
destroyed or perish. She will last till the end of the world, because
Jesus Christ, as He promised, will be with her till the end of time.
36 Q: Why is the Catholic Church so persecuted?
A: The Catholic Church is so persecuted because even her Divine
Founder, Jesus Christ, was thus persecuted, and because she reproves
vice, combats the passions, and condemns all acts of injustice and all
error.
37 Q: Has a Catholic any other duties towards the Church?
A: Every Catholic ought to have a boundless love for the Church, ought
to consider himself infinitely honored and happy in belonging to her,
and ought to labor for her glory and advancement by every means in his
power.
The Church Teaching and the Church Taught
38 Q: Is there any distinction between the members of the Church?
A: There is a very notable distinction between the members of the
Church; for there are some who rule and some who obey; some who teach
and some who are taught.
39 Q: What do you call that part of the Church which teaches?
A: That part of the Church which teaches is called the Teaching Church.
40 Q: What do you call that part of the Church which is taught?
A: That part of the Church which is taught is called the Learning
Church, or the Church Taught.
41 Q: Who has set up this distinction in the Church?
A: Jesus Christ Himself has established this distinction in the Church.
42 Q: Are the Church Teaching and the Church Taught, then, two
churches?
A: The Church Teaching and the Church Taught are two distinct parts of
one and the same Church, just as in the human body the head is distinct
from the other members, and yet forms but one body with them.
43 Q: Of whom is the Teaching Church composed?
A: The Teaching Church is composed of all the Bishops, with the Roman
Pontiff at their head, be they dispersed throughout the world or
assembled together in Council.
44 Q: And the Church Taught, of whom is it composed?
A: The Church Taught is composed of all the faithful.
45 Q: Who, then, are they who possess the teaching power in the Church?
A: The teaching power in the Church is possessed by the Pope and the
Bishops, and, dependent on them, by the other sacred ministers.
46 Q: Are we obliged to hear the Teaching Church?
A: Yes, without doubt we are obliged under pain of eternal damnation to
hear the Teaching Church; for Jesus Christ has said to the Pastors of
His Church, in the persons of the Apostles: "He who hears you, hears
Me, and he who despises you, despises Me."
47 Q: Besides her teaching power has the Church any other power?
A: Yes, besides her teaching power the Church has in particular the
power of administering sacred things, of making laws and of exacting
the observance of them.
48 Q: Does the power possessed by the members of the Hierarchy come
from the people?
A: The power possessed by the Hierarchy does not come from the people,
and it would be heresy to say it did: it comes solely from God.
49 Q: To whom does the exercise of this power belong?
A: The exercise of this power belongs solely to the Hierarchy, that is,
to the Pope and to the Bishops subordinate to him.
The Pope and the Bishops
50 Q: Who is the Pope?
A: The Pope, who is also called the Sovereign Pontiff, or the Roman
Pontiff, is the Successor of St. Peter in the See of Rome, the Vicar of
Jesus Christ on earth, and the visible Head of the Church.
51 Q: Why is the Roman Pontiff the Successor of St. Peter?
A: The Roman Pontiff is the Successor of St. Peter because St. Peter
united in his own person the dignity of Bishop of Rome and that of Head
of the Church; by divine disposition he established his Seat at Rome,
and there died; hence, whosoever is elected Bishop of Rome is also heir
to all his authority.
52 Q: Why is the Roman Pontiff the Vicar of Jesus Christ?
A: The Roman Pontiff is the Vicar of Jesus Christ because He represents
Him on earth and acts in His stead in the government of the Church.
53 Q: Why is the Roman Pontiff the Visible Head of the Church?
A: The Roman Pontiff is the Visible Head of the Church because he
visibly governs her with the authority of Jesus Christ Himself, who is
her invisible Head.
54 Q: What, then, is the dignity of the Pope?
A: The dignity of the Pope is the greatest of all dignities on earth,
and gives him supreme and immediate power over all and each of the
Pastors and of the faithful.
55 Q: Can the Pope err when teaching the Church?
A: The Pope cannot err, that is, he is infallible, in definitions
regarding faith and morals.
56 Q: How is it that the Pope is infallible?
A: The Pope is infallible because of the promise of Jesus Christ, and
of the unfailing assistance of the Holy Ghost.
57 Q: When is the Pope infallible?
A: The Pope is infallible when, as Pastor and Teacher of all Christians
and in virtue of his supreme Apostolic authority, he defines a doctrine
regarding faith or morals to be held by all the Church.
58 Q: What sin would a man commit who should refuse to accept the
solemn definitions of the Pope?
A: He who refuses to accept the solemn definitions of the Pope, or who
even doubts them, sins against faith; and should he remain obstinate in
this unbelief, he would no longer be a Catholic, but a heretic.
59 Q: Why has God granted to the Pope the gift of infallibility?
A: God has granted the Pope the gift of infallibility in order that we
all may be sure and certain of the truths which the Church teaches.
60 Q: When was it defined that the Pope is infallible?
A: That the Pope is infallible was defined by the Church in the [First]
Vatican Council; and should anyone presume to contradict this
definition he would be a heretic and excommunicated.
61 Q: In defining that the Pope is infallible, has the Church put
forward a new truth of faith?
A: No, in defining that the Pope is infallible the Church has not put
forward a new truth of faith; but to oppose new errors she has simply
defined that the infallibility of the Pope, already contained in Sacred
Scripture and in Tradition, is a truth revealed by God, and therefore
to be believed as a dogma or article of faith.
62 Q: How should every Catholic act towards the Pope?
A: Every Catholic must acknowledge the Pope as Father, Pastor, and
Universal Teacher, and be united with him in mind and heart.
63 Q: After the Pope, who are they who by Divine appointment are to be
most venerated in the Church?
A: After the Pope, those who by Divine appointment are to be most
venerated in the Church are the Bishops.
64 Q: Who are the Bishops?
A: The Bishops are the pastors of the faithful; placed by the Holy
Ghost to rule the Church of God in the Sees entrusted to them, in
dependence on the Roman Pontiff
65 Q: What is a Bishop in his own diocese?
A: A Bishop in his own diocese is the lawful Pastor, the Father, the
Teacher, the Superior of all the faithful, ecclesiastic and lay
belonging to his diocese.
66 Q: Why is the Bishop called the lawful Pastor?
A: The Bishop is called the lawful Pastor because the jurisdiction, or
the power which he has to govern the faithful of his diocese, is
conferred upon him according to the laws and regulations of the Church.
67 Q: To whom do the Pope and the Bishops succeed?
A: The Pope is the successor of St. Peter. the Prince of the Apostles;
and the Bishops are the Successors of the Apostles, in all that regards
the ordinary government of the Church.
68 Q: Must the faithful be in union with their Bishop?
A: Yes, all the faithful, ecclesiastic and lay, should be united heart
and soul with their Bishop, who is in favor and communion with the
Apostolic See.
69 Q: How should the faithful act towards their own Bishop?
A: Each one of the faithful, both ecclesiastic and lay, should revere,
love, and honor his own Bishop and render him obedience in all that
regards the care of souls and the spiritual government of the diocese.
70 Q: By whom is the Bishop assisted in the care of souls?
A: The Bishop is assisted in the care of souls by priests, and
especially by Parish Priests.
71 Q: Who is the Parish Priest?
A: The Parish Priest is a priest deputed to preside over and direct
with due dependence on his Bishop a portion of the diocese called a
parish.
72 Q: What are the duties of the faithful towards their Parish Priest?
A: The faithful should be united with their Parish Priest, listen to
him with docility, and show him respect and submission in all that
regards the care of the parish.
The Communion of Saints
1 Q: What are we taught by these words of the Ninth Article: The
Communion of Saints?
A: In the words The Communion of Saints, the Ninth Article of the Creed
teaches us that the Church's spiritual goods, both internal and
external, are common to all her members because of the intimate union
that exists between them.
2 Q: Which are the internal goods that are common in the Church?
A: The internal goods that are common in the Church are: the graces
received through the Sacraments; faith, hope and charity; the infinite
merits of Jesus Christ; the superabundant merits of the Blessed Virgin
and of the Saints; and the fruit of all the good works done in the same
Church.
3 Q: Which are the external goods that are common in the Church?
A: The external goods that are common in the Church are: the
Sacraments, the Sacrifice of the Mass, public prayers, religious
functions, and all the other outward practices that unite the faithful.
4 Q: Do all the children of the Church share in this communion of
goods?
A: All Christians who are in the grace of God share in the communion of
internal goods, while those who are in mortal sin do not participate in
these goods.
5 Q: Why do not those who are in mortal sin participate in these goods?
A: Because that which unites the faithful with God, and with Jesus
Christ as His living members, rendering them capable of performing
meritorious works for life eternal, is the grace of God which is the
supernatural life of the soul; and hence as those who are in mortal sin
are without the grace of God, they are excluded from perfect communion
in spiritual goods, nor can they accomplish works meritorious towards
life eternal.
6 Q: Do Christians then, who are in mortal sin derive no advantage from
the internal and spiritual goods of the Church?
A: Christians who are in mortal sin still continue to derive some
advantage from the internal and spiritual goods of the Church, inasmuch
as they still preserve the Christian character which is indelible, and
the virtue of faith which is the basis of justification. They are
aided, too, by the prayers and good works of the faithful towards
obtaining the grace of conversion to God.
7 Q: Can those in mortal sin participate in the external goods of the
Church?
A: Those in mortal sin can participate in the external goods of the
Church, unless indeed they are cut off from the Church by
excommunication.
8 Q: Why are the members of this Communion, taken together, called
saints?
A: The members of this Communion are called saints because all are
called to sanctity and have been sanctified by baptism, and because
many of them have really attained perfect sanctity.
9 Q: Does the Communion of Saints extend also to heaven and purgatory?
A: Yes, the Communion of Saints also extends to heaven and purgatory,
because charity unites the three Churches -- the Triumphant, the
Suffering and the Militant; the Saints pray to God both for us and for
the souls in purgatory; while we on our part give honor and glory to
the Saints, and are able to relieve the suffering souls in purgatory by
applying on their behalf indulgences and other good works.
Those Outside the Communion of Saints
10 Q: Who are they who do not belong to the Communion of Saints?
A: Those who are damned do not belong to the Communion of Saints in the
other life; and in this life those who belong neither to the body nor
to the soul of the Church, that is, those who are in mortal sin, and
who are outside the true Church.
11 Q: Who are they who are outside the true Church?
A: Outside the true Church are: Infidels, Jews, heretics, apostates,
schismatics, and the excommunicated.
12 Q: Who are infidels?
A: Infidels are those who have not been baptized and do not believe in
Jesus Christ, because they either believe in and worship false gods as
idolaters do, or though admitting one true God, they do not believe in
the Messiah, neither as already come in the Person of Jesus Christ, nor
as to come; for instance, Mohammedans and the like.
13 Q: Who are the Jews?
A: The Jews are those who profess the Law of Moses; have not received
baptism; and do not believe in Jesus Christ.
14 Q: Who are heretics?
A: Heretics are those of the baptized who obstinately refuse to believe
some truth revealed by God and taught as an article of faith by the
Catholic Church; for example, the Arians, the Nestorians, and the
various sects of Protestants.
15 Q: Who are apostates?
A: Apostates are those who abjure, or by some external act, deny the
Catholic faith which they previously professed.
16 Q: Who are schismatics?
A: Schismatics are those Christians who, while not explicitly denying
any dogma, yet voluntarily separate themselves from the Church of Jesus
Christ, that is, from their lawful pastors.
17 Q: Who are the excommunicated?
A: The excommunicated are those who, because of grievous
transgressions, are struck with excommunication by the Pope or their
Bishop, and consequently are cut off as unworthy from the body of the
Church, which, however, hopes for and desires their conversion.
18 Q: Should excommunication be dreaded?
A: Excommunication should be greatly dreaded, because it is the
severest and most terrible punishment the Church can inflict upon her
rebellious and obstinate children.
19 Q: Of what goods are the excommunicated deprived?
A: The excommunicated are deprived of public prayers, of the
Sacraments, of indulgences, and of Christian burial.
20 Q: Can we in any way help the excommunicated?
A: We can in some way help the excommunicated and all others who are
outside the true Church, by salutary advice, by prayers and good works,
begging God in His mercy to grant them the grace of being converted to
the faith and of entering into the Communion of Saints.
alanm
"~ Cindy" <synt...@localline.com> wrote in message
news:1124733599.8...@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> The Nolalu Barn Owl wrote:
> > Saint Pius X (1835-1914),
>
> snip...
>
> Ahh.. The man who has divided the Catholic Church between those who are
> pro-Vaatican 2 and those who are Anti-Vatican 2... most of the pre
> Vatican 2 believers support the Roman Churches dark ages stances and
> mandates, and acts. and some even identify the Popes since Vatican 2
> as heretics, schizmatics, or anti- Popes along with all Protestants,
> Jews etc, according to Pius X's infallible teachings and decrees. Mel
> Gibson is just one example, acknowledging that his wife was a better
> Christian then he, but also staing that according to the doctrines of
> the Church (Rome) which he followed and believed that she was a heretic
> and damned.
>
Well Cindy you've fallen for the pop culture trap. Why should anyone care
what actors think about religion ? They are, after all, MERELY actors.