Book Review: Dogmatic Constitution of the Church

“Lumen Gentium”

      The mid 60s came with sweeping reforms within the Catholic Church.  In 1964, during the convention of the Second Vatican Council, his holiness, Pope Paul VI, along with a majority of the world-wide bishops, established a document solidifying the authority, identity, and mission of the Church, as well as the role of the faithful (laity) in the Church.  This document, as with all Church documents, would be identified by a Latin title, Lumen Gentium, “Light of the Nations.” This document was divided into 8 chapters:

      Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Church

      Chapter 2: On the People of God

      Chapter 3: The Hierarchical Structure of the Church, in Particular, the Episcopate

      Chapter 4: The Laity

      Chapter 5: The Universal Call to Holiness in the Church

      Chapter 6: The Religious

      Chapter 7: The Eschatological Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church   

                        In Heaven

      Chapter 8: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Mystery of Christ and the

                        Church

      Chapter 1, “The Mystery of the Church” strives to enforce the theology of the Catholic Church as being the “sole Church of Christ,” just as we proclaim it to be in the Nicene Creed, when we claim to be “one, holy, catholic and apostolic.”

      Chapter 2, “On the People of God,” confirms the identity of the faithful as the People of God, the true Church.  It goes on to proclaim the faith community as sharing in the priesthood of Christ, establishing both the common priesthood and the ministerial priesthood.  This chapter closes with the doctrine of salvation, for all.  It claims we are all called to serve in the Church of Christ, but that since we are not all formed by the same faith, we are linked in our identities as Christians.

      Chapter 3, “The Hierarchical Structure of the Church, in Particular, the Episcopate,” establishes the formal hierarchy of the Church, with the Pope at the top level, and the role that the episcopate, the bishops, play within the hierarchical structure.

      Chapter 4, “The Laity,” proclaims that by their sacramental initiation in baptism, communion, and confirmation, the faithful are called to take part in the “apostolic mission” of Christ.  The faithful are called, by sacramental participation, to share in charity towards both God and man.

      Chapter 5, “The Universal Call to Holiness in the Church,” explains how the faithful are called to serve the Church in the fullness of Christian identity and charity and to devote of their whole selves to the glory and service of God.

      Chapter 6, “The Religious,” calls on all the faithful to give primacy to the Kingdom of God and all that it requires and to establish first before all earthly entitlements.  It demonstrates the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit within the life of the Church.

      Chapter 7, “The Eschatological Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church   

In Heaven,” shares the connection of the Church on Earth and the Church in Heaven, as to how both work together as one.

      Chapter 8, “The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Mystery of Christ and the Church,” is perhaps the most profound chapter in the document.  At least, in my opinion.  This chapter proclaims the supremacy and importance of Mary’s role in the life of Christ and his Church.  It promulgates the doctrine of Mary as Mother of God, and her special role in life of the Church.

      This was not the only document to come out of the Second Vatican Council and it is not the document that pronounced the sweeping changes in the Church that still exist today, Mass in the vernacular and the orientation of the priest to the people during Mass, to name a couple.  This document is important nonetheless, if not for anything else, then its proclamation of the importance of Mary and her role in the Church.  A lot of what we believe about the Church today can find its root in this document.  Official Vatican documents and papal encyclicals are not easy reads, but the purpose of this document is to give the faithful a clearer understanding of the Church, as Christ intended it to be.  The document is insightful, informational, concise, and profound.  I have read this document many times and always seem to take away something different each time, thereby enriching my faith more and more.  A much recommended read for anyone wishing to understand the Church more.