Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 204.  Fri 12-13-91 15:10  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Brian Irving
 Subject: Magisterium

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| Can you explain what the term "magisterium" means? (Pardon the spelling).
 
Dear Brian,
 
Magisterium is the official teaching function of Christ's Church,
vested in the Pope and all the bishops in union with the Pope.
 
Magisterium was given to the Apostles and their successors by Christ:
"Go, ... teach all nations ... whatever I have commanded you" (Matt
28:19-20).  This teaching is infallible, i.e., divinely protected from
error: "Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world"
(ibid.)
 
Solemn magisterium is exercised rarely, and only in the formal,
authentic declaration of Popes and general councils in union with
Popes.  Ordinary magisterium is exercised in the daily universal
teaching and practice of the Church, in the liturgy, and in the
consensus of theologians and Catholic believers.
 
The object or content of magisterium is the revelation Given by God
through Christ to the Apostles, entrusted perpetually to the Church for
preservation and preaching.  This revelation is sometimes divided into
faith (doctrine and morals (practice).
 
Thanks for writing, Brian. Come again.
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                Father Mateo