29/04/2025
Do you know that we have 24 Catholic Churches, and only one is Roman, while the other 23 are Eastern Catholic Churches?🤔😲
Many people may not realize that when we say "Catholic," we are referring to a universal umbrella that includes various rites, and not just the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church, led by the Pope, is what many of us commonly associate with the word "Catholic." But did you know there are also 23 Eastern Catholic Churches that are fully Catholic too?
These are the Eastern Catholic Churches. They share the same core beliefs, yet differ in some practices, thereby establishing their own beautiful traditions, rites, and styles of worship.
For instance, some Eastern Catholic Churches follow the Byzantine Rite, the Maronite Rite, the Chaldean Rite, and others. Their way of celebrating Mass, their prayers, and even their church designs may differ, but they are equally Catholic!
💥Note: The Eastern Orthodox Churches are Christian too, but they are not in full communion with the Pope. Their leaders are called Patriarchs, while the leader of the Roman Catholic Church is called the Pope.
In the Roman Catholic Church, priests are usually celibate, while in the Eastern Catholic Churches, many priests are married, although some also choose celibacy, especially those who are called to become bishops.
So next time you say, “I’m a Catholic,” and someone asks, “Which Catholic are you?”, your answer should be either: “I’m a Roman Catholic” or “I’m an Eastern Catholic.”
And that’s perfectly beautiful! We are truly one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
🫵Good night, and don't forget to attend Mass tomorrow! See you after Mass. God bless you all.
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