scandals (1 Cor. xi.), and also blameworthy Bishops, in the Church (Apoc. ii. and iii.).
35. Why is the Roman Church evidently ' Catholic ' or 'Universal'?
1. Because from the time of Christ she has continually existed with the same Teaching, the same Priestly, and the same Pastoral Office as at the present time; 2. Because she is spread over the whole universe; and 3. Because she is constantly spreading, in accordance with the Divine commission, ' Go ye into the whole world, and preach the Gospel to every creature ' (Mark xvi. 15).
Therefore, the Roman Church was always called Catholic, even by apostates and infidels, as St. Augustine testifies; and up to this day she is called throughout the world the Catholic Church.
36. Why is the Roman Catholic Church evidently ' Apostolic '?
1. Because her origin is unquestionably traced back to the Apostles; 2. Because her doctrine is grounded on Apostolic Tradition;1 and 3. Because her rulers, the Pope and the Bishops, are lawful successors of the Apostles (p. 136, quest. 20).
1 It is an undisputed fact that Anglicans and others approach the nearer to the Catholic Church the more diligently and sincerely they search in the writings of the Holy Fathers for the Apostolic Traditions.
37. But are not non-Catholic Religious Societies also one?
No; they are not, and cannot be, one, 1. Because they have no common Head; and 2. Because every one of their members has a right to interpret and believe the Holy Scriptures as he likes.
Therefore 'they are children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine' (Eph. iv. 14).
38. And why can none of them be called holy?
1. Because their founders were not holy; 2. Because they have rejected many articles of faith and means of sanctification, as; for example, the Sacrifice of the Mass
