The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
What the universal Church holds, not as instituted [invented] by councils but as something always held, is most correctly believed to have been handed down by apostolic authority. Since others respond for children, so that the celebration of the sacrament may be complete for them, it is certainly availing to them for their consecration, because they themselves are not able to respond.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Saint Augustine emphasizes the importance of apostolic authority and the role of others in the sacrament for those unable to respond themselves.
This quote by Saint Augustine reflects on the foundational beliefs of the Christian Church, asserting that certain doctrines are rooted in apostolic authority rather than being merely the product of councils. It highlights the concept that even those who cannot actively participate, like children, can still receive spiritual benefit through the actions of others, reinforcing the communal aspect of faith and the significance of sacramental grace.
Themes
ApostolicAuthoritySacramentChurchFaith
In practice
Example use cases
During a baptism ceremony, one might quote Augustine to emphasize the importance of community support.
More from Saint Augustine
All quotes →There is no health in those who are displeased by an element in Your creation, just as there was none in me when I was displeased by many things You had made. Because my soul didn't dare to say that my God displeased me, it refused to attribute to You whatever was displeasing.
Saint AugustineRead
Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times.
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Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
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Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
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Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
Saint AugustineRead
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