INSIDE OLD CATHOLIC

By †Gabriel O. Obiano, D.D. When many people hear the word Catholic, their minds immediately travel to Rome. For centuries, Rome has occupied a visible and influential place in Christian history. Yet Catholicity did not begin in Rome, nor is it confined to Rome. To speak honestly about the Church is to recognize a deeper and broader reality: there exists a particular Church beyond Rome, rooted in apostolic faith, sacramental life, and legitimate ecclesial authority. Who Are the Old Catholics? Old Catholics are not a modern invention, nor are they a breakaway movement born of protest. They are communities that consciously preserved the faith, worship, and ecclesial structure of the undivided Church, especially as it existed before later centralizations of authority. Old Catholic traditions stand firmly on Sacred Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, the ancient Creeds, and the sacramental life of the Church. To be Old Catholic is to remain Catholic as the Church originally understood herself:...

By †Gabriel Obiano, D.D. Have you ever noticed a priest at Mass praying with his arms outstretched, palms open? Or perhaps someone praying in similar posture and gazing upwards? In the Catholic tradition, this isn't just a spontaneous expression of devotion; it's a specific, ancient posture known as the Orans posture. Far from being a modern innovation, this gesture of prayer has resonated across the Church for centuries, holding a profound spiritual significance that continues to enrich the sacred liturgy of the Mass today. But what exactly is the Orans posture, where did it come from, and why does it still hold such power for believers? Let's reach out and explore this beautiful and meaningful stance of prayer. What is the Orans Posture? Derived from the Latin word orare, meaning "to pray," the Orans posture is characterized by standing (or sometimes kneeling) with arms extended sideways, bent at the elbows, and palms open and facing upwards. It is a posture tha...