The Twentieth Century Encyclopedia of Catholicism The Communion of Saints
Type
Book
Authors
Category
Dogmatic Theology
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Publication Year
1963
Publisher
Volume
26
Pages
154
Tags
Description
The communion of saints is one of the most difficult doctrines of the Church to interpret, but an understanding of it is essential for all Catholics if it is, in the words of Pius XII, to ". . . stand out as an inexhaustible source opened wide to all who are hungering for justice."
In this volume, the author traces the development of this doctrine from the time of its inclusion in the Apostle's Creed, through the explanations given in the early middle ages and, later, by the scholastic theologians, to the meaning accepted today. Communication among believers on earth (the Church Militant), relationship between heaven (the Church Triumphant) and purgatory (the Church Suffering), and Christ's role as Visible Head of the Church are subjects of this detailed study of the many aspects of this important teaching.
The author points out that the Latin word used in the phrase "communion of saints" is sanctorum. This term, therefore, can be either neuter or masculine, which gives rise to the question whether the term refers to the communion of holy things or the communion of saints. Although St. Paul refers to all Christians as saints, common usage reserves this term for reference to the righteous dead. The author brings to light all the possible interpretations of this doctrine: the earliest and the most liberal ones, the meanings attributed to it in non-Catholic circles, and the significance it has for Catholics in our age as is expressed eloquently in the papal encyclicals.
Emilien Lamirande, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, presently is a professor at the University of Ottawa. Father Lamirande has published many articles on particular points of religious history.
The Communion of Saints was translated from the French by A Manson.
This is Volume 26 under section II: The Basic Truths.
Taken from the inside flaps.
In this volume, the author traces the development of this doctrine from the time of its inclusion in the Apostle's Creed, through the explanations given in the early middle ages and, later, by the scholastic theologians, to the meaning accepted today. Communication among believers on earth (the Church Militant), relationship between heaven (the Church Triumphant) and purgatory (the Church Suffering), and Christ's role as Visible Head of the Church are subjects of this detailed study of the many aspects of this important teaching.
The author points out that the Latin word used in the phrase "communion of saints" is sanctorum. This term, therefore, can be either neuter or masculine, which gives rise to the question whether the term refers to the communion of holy things or the communion of saints. Although St. Paul refers to all Christians as saints, common usage reserves this term for reference to the righteous dead. The author brings to light all the possible interpretations of this doctrine: the earliest and the most liberal ones, the meanings attributed to it in non-Catholic circles, and the significance it has for Catholics in our age as is expressed eloquently in the papal encyclicals.
Emilien Lamirande, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, presently is a professor at the University of Ottawa. Father Lamirande has published many articles on particular points of religious history.
The Communion of Saints was translated from the French by A Manson.
This is Volume 26 under section II: The Basic Truths.
Taken from the inside flaps.
Number of Copies
1
