Our Catholic Identity

by Editor · May 13, 2018

What is the identity of Catholics and their Church? This week a columnist addresses that question, one which is becoming increasingly relevant with the rapid secularisation of the societies which over centuries shaped Catholic identity, and the assertion of the Church in what used to be the periphery.

For many in the West, the Catholic traditions are becoming more a marker of cultural identity than of religious attachment, with Christian symbols, feasts and practices forming part of collective customs, divorced from faith in God.

This is the way in which the premier of the southern German state of Bavaria, much of which is traditionally Catholic, seeks to deploy the cross: as a symbol of cultural and national identity. For many in the West, the Catholic traditions are becoming more a marker of cultural identity than of religious attachment, with Christian symbols, feasts and practices forming part of collective customs, divorced from faith in God.

Markus Söder’s directive that the cross be affixed to all state buildings in Bavaria seems to have little to do with Christ’s sacrifice. It is an assertion of a particular kind of German identity, validating national chauvinism at a time of increasing migration.

In this instance, the cross is not intended to invoke Christian virtues or to invite prayer. On the contrary: the cross is being misused as a political tool to exclude others.

This returns us to the question of a common Catholic identity and how it can signify the faith.

One such way has been through external signs, such as the architecture of churches or the hymns we sing. But Church music, with the decline of chant at Mass, is subject to local and generational tastes; and architectural styles are subject to regional preferences and keep evolving (it is interesting to note that new churches at popular shrines such as Fatima, Lourdes or San Giovanni Rotondo are the antithesis of traditional church designs).

More fixed, visible signs of our Catholic identity are found in the liturgy, in practices such as genuflection before the Blessed Sacrament. We are united as Catholics by our particular understanding of the Eucharist, the sacraments, the Rosary, love of Our Lady, devotion to the saints, obedience to the pope, and gestures such as the sign of the cross.

We are united as Catholics by our particular understanding of the Eucharist, the sacraments, the Rosary, love of Our Lady, devotion to the saints, obedience to the pope, and gestures such as the sign of the cross.

We are enriched in our Catholic identity by our priests and our religious — whatever their dress code.

The Catholic ethos is marked by our social engagement and defence of all life. The Catholic Church is the biggest non-governmental provider of education and health care, thereby exuding Christ’s love also to those who are not Catholics, or even Christians.

Catholic identity is observable in the personal lives of the faithful. A Catholic home will likely have a crucifix and rosaries, a bible, maybe even a home-altar and devotional objects that express our unique faith. Ideally, it will have Catholic literature, including The Southern Cross.

All of this is important. But all the hymns, genuflection or number of saints’ figurines on the home-altar are hollow if they are not matched by our interior disposition. Are we truly disciples of Christ? Do we reflect the love which Jesus commanded us to have for one another? Do we live the joy of the Gospel? Do we live the Good News of salvation?

Are we truly disciples of Christ? Do we reflect the love which Jesus commanded us to have for one another? Do we live the joy of the Gospel? Do we live the Good News of salvation?

And when we fail to do any of these, as we invariably do, is our faith strong enough that we can pick ourselves up and try again?

Do we overcome our differences with others, inside and outside the Church, with charity and respect? Do we have a genuine concern for the poor and marginalised? Are we giving prophetic witness?

Importantly, do we have a sense of mission?

It is by these measures that we manifest our Catholic identity — or fail to do so.

The external signs of our faith help us get there, and some of these may need to be expressed in different ways according to the needs and resources of the communities and the cultures in which we live — different architecture, different hymns, even some different liturgical practices. It is good to have a rosary in the car and a cross on the door. But we must beware that these are not simply ornamental. And none of these may ever be used to exclude or marginalise others.

It is good to have a rosary in the car and a cross on the door. But we must beware that these are not simply ornamental. And none of these may ever be used to exclude or marginalise others.

The doors to the Church must be open to anybody who wishes to enter it — invited by our Catholic traditions, actions and; above all, disposition.

That is the true Christian tradition, won in Christ’s triumph over the cross.