Lumen Gentium: The Eschatological Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church in Heaven (50, continued)

Chapter VII of Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is entitled “The Eschatological Nature of the Pilgrim Church and Its Union with the Church in Heaven.” It continues as follows:

“50. . . . Our union with the Church in heaven is put into effect in its noblest manner especially in the sacred Liturgy, wherein the power of the Holy Spirit acts upon us through sacramental signs. Then, with combined rejoicing we celebrate together the praise of the divine majesty;(18*) then all those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation (278) who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and gathered together into one Church, with one song of praise magnify the one and triune God. Celebrating the Eucharistic sacrifice therefore, we are most closely united to the Church in heaven in communion with and venerating the memory first of all of the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, of Blessed Joseph and the blessed apostles and martyrs and of all the saints.(19*)”

(278) Cf. Revelation 5:9.

(18*) Conc. Vaticanum II, Const. De Sacra Liturgia, cap. 5, n. 104.

(19*) Canon Missae Romanae.

 

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Dogmatic Constitution on the Church - Lumen Gentium