Admirator Cartusiensium

Second Synod of Orange taught with firm authority that nothing human can demand, merit or buy the gift of divine grace and that all cooperation with it is a prior gift of that same grace: “Even the desire to be cleansed comes about in us through...the Holy Spirit”. Pope Francis

Continuing his catechetical series on Vatican II, Pope Leo XIV reflecting on the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium, and the divinely instituted hierarchical nature of the Church, says: “In our ongoing catechesis on the Second Vatican Council, today we reflect on the teachings of the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium concerning the hierarchical structure of the Church. In this regard, it is helpful to bear in mind that the Church is not something we invented, but is a divine institution established by Jesus himself. Christ appointed the apostles, placing Peter at their head, and sent them out to continue his salvific mission until his return in glory. To perpetuate this same mission, ministers were invested with sacred power to be the successors of the Apostles as Bishops, in whose ministry priests and deacons likewise participate through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Sharing in the ministry of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, they are consecrated to serve the faithful, build up the Church and ensure the fruitful transmission of the faith. Let us therefore ask the Lord to continue to bless his Church with shepherds after His own heart.”