Posted on 10/06/2006 9:46:04 AM PDT by Teófilo
Folks, Catholic World News reports that "the International Theological Commission will recommend against using the concept of Limbo in explaining the eternal fate of unbaptized babies. But the group does not intend any 'break from the great tradition of the faith.'" This is the main finding:
"Original Sin is a reality that really marks the fragility of the human condition," the archbishop remarked. Salvation from sin can come only through Jesus Christ, and baptism is necessary to remove the stain of Original Sin. But in the case of children who are not baptized, through no fault of their own, "then it would seem that the saving power of Christ ought to prevail over the power of sin," he said. In a "complex and secularized society," questions about the fate of unbaptized children are raised more and more frequently, Archbishop Bruno Forte, a member of the International Theological Commision, said. Most pastors, he continued, respond to those questions by encouraging the faithful to place their trust in God's mercy and entrust the children to his loving care. That pastoral response, he noted, is backed by the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.Archbishop Forte reported that the Commission is close to completion of a statement on the fate of unbaptized children. But he warned that the document, which has been heavily anticipated, is not likely to be publicized soon, according to CWNews.
Commentary. Pope Benedict XVI is about to bring to an end a centuries-old controversy regarding the fate of unbaptized children. "Limbo" was the name given to a speculative solution to their fate unevenly worked out by various Fathers, Doctors, and theologians of the Church. Many of us received that teaching as children.
Ever since I started studying the issue in the late 1970's I could tell that the common thelogical consensus regarding limbo was breaking down very rapidly and that then Cardinal Ratzinger didn't held it in any esteem--although back then I didn't hear it from the Cardinal, but from priests and teachers closer to me.
Just late last summer, when the Lord recalled my granddaughters to Himself, my pastor mentioned to me that the girls went "straight to heaven" without a doubt, and that was highly comforting to me--for I no longer was facing an abstraction, but a real event and sorrow. All children recalled without baptism are with the Lord.
It's beautiful to see how the sense of the Teaching Church is matching that of the Sense of the Faithful on this issue, and to see the Love and Mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ declared triumphant once again over sin and death.
- Check out the 1909 Catholic Encyclopedia for more information on "Limbo."
PING!
This brings Catholics and Orthodox one step closer. Amen.
1261 As regards children who have died without Baptism, the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. Indeed, the great mercy of God who desires that all men should be saved, and Jesus' tenderness toward children which caused him to say: "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them,"64 allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the Church's call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.
64 Mk 10 14; cf. 1 Tim 2:4.
I know the soi disant "trads" are all up in arms over this. However, Limbo has always been speculative
I knew that before Persia was a country and so I never "bought" Limbo, which, thanks to my family, I knew was speculative. Some how, I forget now, I reasoned that desire would be extended to cover unbaptised children
I think this is a wonderful decision to take, if it is indeed taken and publicised
I'm not sure if I am against Vatican II itself or the ridiculous ideas that were perpetuated in it's name. I am 34 and never knew the pre Vatican II Church. To my knowledge I am the only person of any age at my Church that takes Communion "hands free"
Heya Teo!
I might be ignorant here, but if - Limbo is temporary and all unborn go on to heaven when Christ returns, then- abortion would be a good thing, as it would ensure the child would go to heaven.
Ignorance. Assumptions. Mine. :o)
I’m 34, too. We’re the only ones at our church that take communion hands free, also. I wish there were more!
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