During his catechetical session on Monday, May 26th, at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Buea Town, Bishop Michael Bibi emphasized the third mark of the Church: its Catholic nature. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 830-856), this mark reflects the holiness of the Church. The term “Catholic,” meaning “according to the whole,” signifies that Christ is present within the Church. This presence is especially evident during the celebration of Mass, through the Word, the Eucharist (as elaborated in CCC 1374), and in the minister and congregation (as stated in CCC 1088).
Bishop Bibi during today’s teaching
Bishop Bibi explained that declaring the Church as Catholic also means that each particular church, or diocese, embodies this Catholic nature due to Jesus’ presence. He emphasized that to be truly Catholic, there must be communion in faith and sacraments with the local ordinary while also being in communion with the Catholic Church in Rome and submitting to the authority of the Holy Father.
Crosss section of those in attendance
He underscored that all Catholics are united by their beliefs, which includes Catholic Christians from various backgrounds, as well as those in other churches who may not fully respect God’s authority. This understanding aligns with Jesus’ mission for His apostles to spread the Gospel to the world. Consequently, the Catholic Church actively engages in ecumenism with other Christian communities. Bishop Bibi concluded by reaffirming that all salvation originates from the Church.
