The Means of Universal Salvation: Vatican II on the Church Artwork

Mystagogy

In a tradition that dates back to the first centuries of Christianity, many newly initiated Christians were prepared for lives of faith through a formation with spiritual, liturgical, and communitarian dimensions. This period of formation was called mystagogy, a word which, in Greek, means "leading through the mysteries." Our program of mystagogy will have four primary goals: 1) To break open Magisterial teaching on the lay state (selections from Vatican II as well as letters/encyclicals from recent popes) as well as classic spiritual texts to build a thoughtful, practical devotional life; 2) To introduce the various spiritual charisms in the Church (i.e. Dominican, Carmelite, Franciscan, Salesian, etc.) so that they may develop a personal program of spirituality rooted in the uniquely Catholic legacy; 3) To deepen the prayer life through study, communal prayer, the practice of meditation, Mass, and the Liturgy of the Hours; and 4) To establish a fully Catholic life and mission, including a formation in the art of the Church, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and the commitment to a specific personal work of service.

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Mystagogy

The Means of Universal Salvation: Vatican II on the Church

August 12, 2023 • Barbara Nicolosi Harrington • Season 4 • Episode 4

In this episode, Barbara considers one of the two dogmatic documents issued by Vatican II. A statement of profound mercy, Lumen Gentium (“The Light to the Nations”) considers the question of universal holiness and salvation. Questions addressed in this key text include: “What is necessary for salvation?” “Who can be saved?” and “What does holiness look like for the different members of the Church?”

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Intro: Hello and welcome to the Mystagogy podcast, offered as part of the Adult Faith Programs at Saint Stephen Martyr Church in Chesapeake, VA.

In a tradition dating back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, newly initiated believers were prepared for ongoing lives of faith through mystagogy, a period of formation designed to deepen their spiritual, liturgical and community life. Mystagogy is a Greek word which means "leading through the mysteries."

This program has been developed by Barbara Nicolosi Harrington, a university professor of screenwriting, cinema, Great Books and theology.

In this episode, Barbara discusses Lumen Gentium, the dogmatic constitution on the Church from the Second Vatican Council.

Outro: Thanks for joining us for this episode of the Mystagogy podcast.

The music for the podcast is provided by George Sarah. Learn more about his music over at GeorgeSarahMusic.com or by following the link in the show notes.

Until next time, be well and God bless.

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Barbara Nicolosi Harrington

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