[NYer]

* - Although it is not widely known in our Western world, the Catholic Church is actually a communion of Churches. According to the Constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, the Catholic Church is understood to be "a corporate body of Churches," united with the Pope of Rome, who serves as the guardian of unity (LG, no. 23). At present there are 22 Churches that comprise the Catholic Church. The new Code of Canon Law, promulgated by Pope John Paul II, uses the phrase "autonomous ritual Churches" to describe these various Churches (canon 112). Each Church has its own hierarchy, spirituality, and theological perspective. Because of the particularities of history, there is only one Western Catholic Church, while there are 22 Eastern Catholic Churches. The Western Church, known officially as the Latin Church, is the largest of the Catholic Churches. It is immediately subject to the Roman Pontiff as Patriarch of the West. The Eastern Catholic Churches are each led by a Patriarch, Major Archbishop, or Metropolitan, who governs their Church together with a synod of bishops. Through the Congregation for Oriental Churches, the Roman Pontiff works to assure the health and well-being of the Eastern Catholic Churches.

While this diversity within the one Catholic Church can appear confusing at first, it in no way compromises the Church's unity. In a certain sense, it is a reflection of the mystery of the Trinity. Just as God is three Persons, yet one God, so the Church is 22 Churches, yet one Church.

To learn more about the "two lungs" of the Catholic Church, visit this link:

CATHOLIC RITES AND CHURCHES

[NYer]

Eastern Catholic Ping List
Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

Catholic Ping List
Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[newfarm4000n]

the mystery of the Trinity. Just as God is three Persons, yet one God, so the Church is 22 Churches, yet one Church.

As a protestant...the mystery of the Trinity. Just as God is three Persons, yet one God, The church is 20,000+ churches, yet one church :)

[Edit35]

...Father Saad Sirop Hanna ...was stopped by three masked gunmen...

I hate to lose my civility, but I think it's time for the Iraqi's to form up some ruthless units in order to take out these violent terror cells (take no prisoners) who are intent on destroying anyone helping to rebuild the country (like this Priest).

[SoCalPol]

Of the over 30,000 Iraqis in San Diego, many thousands are Chaldean and have their own churchs here.

Have talked to some and they support Bush.

[NYer]

Follow up, ping.

[Frances_Marion]

More tales of dhimmitude.