Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 137 - Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 137 - Part III. Why is the Church called apostolic?

(Youcat answer - repeated) The Church is called apostolic because she was founded by the apostles, holds fast to their Tradition, and is governed by their successors.          

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 860) In the office of the apostles there is one aspect that cannot be transmitted: to be the chosen witnesses of the Lord's Resurrection and so the foundation stones of the Church. But their office also has a permanent aspect. Christ promised to remain with them always. The divine mission entrusted by Jesus to them "will continue to the end of time, since the Gospel they handed on is the lasting source of all life for the Church. Therefore,… the apostles took care to appoint successors" (LG 20; cf. Mt 28:20).   

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Jesus called the Apostles to be his closest collaborators. They were his eyewitnesses. After his Resurrection, he appeared to them repeatedly. He bestowed on them the Holy Spirit and sent them as his authoritative messengers to all the world. They assured unity in the early Church. They conferred their mission and authority upon their successors, the bishops, through the laying on of hands. This process is called Apostolic Succession.     

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 869) The Church is apostolic. She is built on a lasting foundation: "the twelve apostles of the Lamb" (Rev 21:14). She is indestructible (cf. Mt 16:18). She is upheld infallibly in the truth: Christ governs her through Peter and the other apostles, who are present in their successors, the Pope and the college of bishops.     

(This question: Why is the Church called apostolic? is continued)