Sarah Mitchell
There are many reasons why people embrace a Catholic identity. For some, the Eucharist is the number one reason for being Catholic, as they believe it is Jesus himself. Others appreciate the structure that Catholicism provides, as well as the stories of saints who have faced various struggles and challenges. The Catholic Church's teachings on forgiveness, mercy, and social justice are also appealing to many, as is the encouragement to encounter God in common things. The Church's rich history, traditions, and art are also cited as reasons for being Catholic, as is the sense of community and shared beliefs that comes with being part of the Catholic faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Apostolic succession | Connection to Jesus and his Gospel |
| Saints | Pathway to sainthood and intercession |
| Social teaching | Dignity of the human person and the sacredness of each human life |
| Eucharist | Union with God |
| Devotions | Rosary |
| Art | Eastern Iconography |
| Confession | Forgiveness |
| Bread, wine, water, and oil | God's mercy |
| Diversity | Inclusivity |
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The Eucharist
Additionally, the Eucharist is often accompanied by beautiful music, enhancing the overall experience and creating a multisensory worship moment. The combination of sacred rituals, music, and community engagement during the Eucharist makes it a cherished aspect of being Catholic.
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Saints and their stories
The saints and their stories are a source of inspiration and guidance for many Catholics. For example, if one is struggling with addiction, they can learn about saints who were addicts but also devout Catholics. Those who are fearful can read about saints who faced terrifying situations with courage. The stories of the saints and their experiences can provide comfort and strength to those facing similar challenges.
The lives of the saints can be read in various ways. One can follow the General Roman Calendar, reading the saint or feast for each day of the year. Another approach is to use an alphabetical index or search bar to find a particular saint. Alternatively, reading the lives of the saints in chronological order can provide insight into the historical context and development of the Church.
Some well-known saints include St. Peter, St. Lawrence, St. Thomas More, St. Sebastian, St. Bartholomew, St. Mother Theresa, St. Benedict, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Simeon Salus. Saints have come from all walks of life and faced various challenges, but they are remembered for their unwavering faith and devotion to God.
The stories of the saints are a reminder that each person is called to holiness and can achieve sainthood through their unique path. Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints, a "great cloud of witnesses" who intercede for them in heaven due to their closeness to God. The saints serve as role models and guides, inspiring Catholics to live virtuous and faithful lives.
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The Rosary
Many Catholics pray the Rosary daily, often at the start of their day, as a peaceful way to encounter the Lord. It is also prayed at significant moments, such as before sitting down for a meal, during a funeral vigil, or as part of worldwide prayer events.
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Catholic art
The principal subject matter of Catholic art has been the life and times of Jesus Christ, along with people associated with him, including his disciples, the saints, and motifs from the Catholic Bible. The art of Eastern Catholicism has been influenced by Orthodox art from Greece and Russia, and in countries near the Orthodox world, such as Poland, Catholic art has many Orthodox influences.
Finally, Catholic art has been influenced by and has influenced broader artistic movements. For example, during the Protestant Reformation, there was a wave of image-destruction, to which the Catholic Church responded with elaborate and emotive Baroque and Rococo styles. In the 19th century, leadership in Western art moved away from the Catholic Church, which embraced historical revivalism and was influenced by the modernist movement.
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Forgiveness
The saints of the Catholic Church also embody the message of forgiveness. These holy men and women were once sinners, some with deep flaws, but they repented and turned to God. They inspire Catholics today to seek forgiveness and to face their fears with courage. Through the witness of their lives, Catholics can learn about humility, prayer, and action.
The Eucharist is another way in which Catholics experience God's forgiveness. When taking the Eucharist, Catholics believe they are receiving Jesus himself, and this brings them into union with God. This is a profound moment of forgiveness and grace, where Catholics can leave their sins behind and start anew.
Furthermore, the Catholic Church teaches that God's desire is to save humanity, not to condemn it. God's mercy and forgiveness are extended to all who seek it, and this is the essence of the "good news" of the Gospel. Catholics are encouraged to encounter God through common elements like bread and wine, which symbolizes God's willingness to meet people where they are and offer forgiveness.
Finally, the very nature of the Bible, as interpreted by Catholics, reflects a forgiving God. Catholics believe that the stories in the Bible are not meant to be taken literally as history but are a way for ancient people to share their understanding of God. This interpretation leaves room for scientific knowledge and a more nuanced view of God's mercy and forgiveness, rather than a coldly precise system of justice.
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