The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

"Thou. CHAPTERPERPETUITY. 71off from it. Count over the Bishops from the verySee of St. Peter, and mark, in that list of Fathers,how one succeeded che other. This is the rockagainst which the proud gates of hell do not prevail."lT)ERPETUITY,VI.PERPETUITY OF THE CHURCH.or duration till the end of time,-L is one of the most striking marks of the ChurchBy perpetuity is not meant merely that Christianityin one form or another was always to exist, but thatthe Church was to remain forever in its integrity,clothed with all the attributes which God gaveit iDthe beginning. For, if the Church lost any of heressential characteristics, such as her unity andsanctity, which our Lord imparted to her at thecommencement of her existence, she could not besaid to be perpetual, because she would not be thesame Institution.The unceasing duration of the Church of Christ isfrequently foretold in Sacred Scripture. The AngelGabriel announces to Mary that Christ "shallreignover the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdomthere shall be no end." Our Saviour said to Peter .zart Peter, and upon this rock I will buildMy Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail1Psal. contra part Donati.2Luke i. 32, 33.