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St.
Vincent has been called the Patron Saint of the Second
Vatican Council in large measure because of his prophetic
understanding of the Church as the People of God all
of whom are called to holiness, mission and community.
In particular his influence was felt in the Decree
on the Apostolate of the Laity. |
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“Every
Catholic, whether priest, religious or lay person, should
rejoice because all of his or her talents, knowledge,
learning, studies, power, nobility, relationships, profession,
art, words, earthly goods, riches, service, prayers
used or done for the spreading of faith and rekindling
of charity in the world can acquire the merit of the
apostolate.” |
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St. Vincent |
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Vatican Council II |
“Every
activity of the Mystical Body... goes by the
name “apostolate;” the Church exercises
it through all its members though in various
ways. In fact the Christian vocation is, of
its nature, a vocation to the apostolate as
well.” |
Decree
on the Apostolate of the Laity, #2
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Jesus
is the Apostle of His Father: therefore, the life
of Jesus, which is His apostolate, must be the
exemplary apostolate of all. Since everyone is
called to the apostolate. |
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St. Vincent |
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Vatican Council II |
“From
the fact of their union with Christ, the Head,
flows the laypersons’ right and duty to
be apostles.” |
Decree
on the Apostolate of the Laity, #3 |
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“Jesus
is the Divine Model of all; those who wish to
comply with the loving and merciful desire of
His Divine Heart in the works of the greater glory
of God and the salvation of souls must imitate
Him as much as they can.” |
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St. Vincent |
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Vatican Council II |
“Christ,
sent by the Father, is the source of the
Church’s whole apostolate. Clearly
then, the fruitfulness of the apostolate
of the laity depends on their living union
with Christ...” |
Decree
on the Apostolate of the Laity, #4 |
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Brief
Biography | His Spirituality | His Pastoral Plan | St.
Vincent& Vatican II | The
Popes & St. Vincent | Prayer
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