The Motherhood of the Church; Particular Churches in the Universal Church

Cardinal Henri de Lubac deeply mines the Christian tradition in examining the motherhood of the Church. Priests are called “Father” and the Church is called “Mother.” Our “Holy Mother the Church” is a traditional way of speaking among Catholics. Focusing on the Church’s motherhood allows this great theologian to unite two profound truths: the Church is the Bride of Christ and the Church is Christ’s mystical body. As de Lubac shows, the Church cannot be rightly considered apart from Christ and his saving work, both of which should be understood in light of the mystery of the Church’s maternity.