Very often, deceived by the Evil One, men have become vain in their reasonings, and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and served the creature rather than the Creator. Or else, living and dying in this world without God, they are exposed to ultimate despair. 333
Catechism number 857
The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the apostles, in three ways:
- she was and remains built on "the foundation of the
Apostles,"362 The witnesses chosen and sent on mission by Christ
himself;363
- with the help of the Spirit dwelling in her, the Church keeps and hands on
the teaching,364 The "good deposit," the salutary words she
has heard from the apostles;365
- she continues to be taught, sanctified, and guided by the apostles until
Christ's return, through their successors in pastoral office: the college of
bishops, "assisted by priests, in union with the successor of Peter, the
Church's supreme pastor":366
You are the eternal Shepherd
who never leaves his flock untended.
Through the apostles you watch over us and protect us always.
You made them shepherds of the flock
The Apostles' mission