St. Robert Bellarmine (Roberto Bellarmino, 1542-1621) was a scholar, theologian and intrepid defender of the Faith during the controversies of the Reformation. As a cardinal he served three popes who counted on his wisdom and scholarly advice. From the Creed we have the Four Marks of the Church:
One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. He developed the 15 Marks of the Church:
1. Catholicity
The Church's Name, Catholic, Universal, and world wide, and not confined to any particular nation or people. 2. Antiquity
In tracing her ancestry directly to Jesus Christ. 3. Constant Duration
In lasting substantially unchanged for so many centuries. 4. Extensiveness
In the number of her loyal members. 5. Episcopal Succession
Of her Bishops from the first Apostles at the Last Supper to the present hierarchy. 6. Doctrinal Agreement
Of her doctrine with the teaching of the ancient Church. 7. Unity
Of her members among themselves, and with their visible head, the Roman Pontiff. 8. Holiness
Of doctrine in reflecting the holiness of God. 9. Efficacy of Doctrine
In its power to sanctify believers, and inspire them to great moral achievement. 10. Holiness of Life
Of the Church's representative writers and defenders. 11. Miracles
Worked in the Church and under the Church's auspices. |
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12. The gift of Prophecy
Found among the Church's saints and spokesmen.
13. Opposition Aroused On the Same Ground As Christ Was Opposed
14. The Unhappy End of the Church's Enemies
15. The Temporal Peace and Earthly Happiness
Of those who live by the Church's teaching and defend her interests.
St. Robert Bellarmine (Roberto Bellarmino, 1542-1621) was a scholar, theologian and intrepid defender of the Faith during the controversies of the Reformation. As a cardinal he served three popes who counted on his wisdom and scholarly advice. From the Creed we have the Four Marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. He developed the 15 Marks of the Church:
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