04/07/2026
βοΈ π§ππ ππ’π¨π₯ π ππ₯ππ¦ π’π π§ππ πππ¨π₯ππ: π’π‘π, ππ’ππ¬, πππ§ππ’πππ, ππ‘π ππ£π’π¦π§π’πππ
In the Nicene Creed, Catholics profess belief in βone, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.β These four marks, or characteristics, identify the Church founded by Jesus Christ and distinguish her mission in the world.
They are not merely ideals but essential qualities given to the Church by Christ Himself.
βοΈ π’π‘π
The Church is one because she has one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one source of life in the Holy Trinity.
βοΈ Christ founded only one Church.
βοΈ The faithful are united in the same faith and sacraments.
βοΈ Unity is preserved through communion with the Pope and the bishops.
βοΈ Despite differences in culture and language, the Church remains one Body in Christ.
βοΈ βThere is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.β β Ephesians 4:4β5
βοΈ ππ’ππ¬
The Church is holy because her founder, Jesus Christ, is holy and because she is sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
βοΈ The Church possesses the fullness of the means of salvation.
βοΈ Through the sacraments, Christ continues to sanctify His people.
βοΈ The saints are living witnesses of the Church's holiness.
βοΈ Although her members are sinners, the Church herself remains holy through Christ.
βοΈ βBe holy, for I am holy.β β 1 Peter 1:16
βοΈ πππ§ππ’πππ
The word βcatholicβ means universal.
βοΈ The Church is sent to all nations and peoples.
βοΈ She proclaims the fullness of the Christian faith.
βοΈ The Gospel is offered to every person without exception.
βοΈ The Church embraces people of every race, language, and culture.
βοΈ βGo therefore and make disciples of all nations.β β Matthew 28:19
βοΈ ππ£π’π¦π§π’πππ
The Church is apostolic because she was founded upon the Apostles and continues their mission.
βοΈ The Apostles were chosen and sent by Christ.
βοΈ The bishops are successors of the Apostles through apostolic succession.
βοΈ The Church faithfully preserves and teaches apostolic doctrine.
βοΈ Her mission remains rooted in the teaching handed down from the Apostles.
βοΈ βBuilt upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.β β Ephesians 2:20
βοΈ πͺππ¬ ππ’ π§πππ¦π π ππ₯ππ¦ π ππ§π§ππ₯?
The four marks help us recognize the true Church founded by Christ.
βοΈ They reveal God's plan for His people.
βοΈ They guide the Church's mission in the world.
βοΈ They remind Catholics of their identity and calling.
βοΈ They strengthen our faith in Christ's promise to remain with His Church.
βοΈ πͺπππ§ πππ‘ πͺπ ππ’ π§π’πππ¬?
βοΈ Pray for unity within the Church.
βοΈ Strive for holiness in daily life.
βοΈ Share the Gospel with others.
βοΈ Remain faithful to the teachings handed down from the Apostles.
βοΈ Deepen your love and commitment to the Church founded by Christ.
βοΈ π₯ππ ππ πππ₯
The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic because Christ Himself established her and remains her head. These four marks are signs of her divine origin and enduring mission to lead souls to salvation.
βοΈ Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen Your Church in unity, holiness, fidelity, and mission.
βοΈ May we remain faithful members of Your Body and courageous witnesses of the Gospel.
βοΈ βAnd behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.β β Matthew 28:20
Ignatius Catholicum βοΈβοΈ
