INSIDE OLD CATHOLIC

By †Gabriel Obiano, D.D. When the Church speaks with authority on matters of faith and morals, she does so not from the wisdom of men, but from the living presence of Christ, who promised, “He who hears you, hears Me.” (Luke 10:16). This living voice of the Church, teaching and guarding the faith, is what we call the Magisterium—a term that means “teaching authority.” But what exactly is the Magisterium, and why does it matter for the life of every believer? To understand this sacred office, we must trace its roots to the very heart of the Church’s mission and the enduring guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Meaning and Origin of the Magisterium The word Magisterium comes from the Latin magister, meaning “teacher.” The Church’s Magisterium is, therefore, the official teaching authority entrusted by Christ to the apostles and their successors—the bishops. It is not a group of scholars debating theology, nor is it a mere institutional voice. Rather, it is a sacred trust, a ministry that ens...

  By Dr. h.c. Miracle Gabriel-Ooc When people hear the word Catholic , their minds always go straight to Roman Catholic . But Catholicity has never been limited to one jurisdiction. For centuries, the Catholic Church has been expressed in many sees—Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, and yes, Rome. Old Catholicism is one of those expressions. So, what’s the difference between Old Catholicism and Roman Catholicism? Let’s break it down: 1. Shared Foundations Both Old Catholics and Roman Catholics believe in the same essentials of the Christian faith: The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. The seven sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick). Apostolic Succession refers to the continuous transmission of episcopal authority, passed down through generations of bishops, reaching back to the apostles themselves. They profess the same Creed. 2. Where T...