The Five Wounds of The Church

Foreword

In this book Antonio Rosmini points to 'ills' of the Church, and reveals their causes by means of a thorough analysis which also enables him to suggest remedies for them. He realises, however, that the application of such remedies is the responsibility of the pastors of the Church, and humbly submits his thoughts to their judgment, begging them to search for adequate solutions to modern needs by a return to the origins and to ancient tradition.

Rosmini notes defects and abuses in the Church, but in a twofold spirit of suffering and hope. Saddened by the inevitable shortcomings of churchmen, he believed and trusted with complete certainty in the infinite power of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church. From this living force the Church draws its capacity for continual renewal.

In our own day, more than a century after Rosmini's death (1855), Vatican II has re-emphasised the two elements, divine and human, of the Church. Sin is always possible, and does indeed exist in the Church. But Christ reconciles and redeems his disciples while purifying their hearts. God knows how to give his people the energy to renew the structures of the Church in accordance with the human changes manifested by "the signs of the times interpreted in the light of the Gospel." The book, meditated in the light of the Council, shows how right Paul VI was to call it "a prophetic work." It would be interesting to compare its pages, and other writings of Rosmini, with the conciliar texts.

The Five Wounds of The Church clearly points to God's truth and love in his faithful care for the people of his covenant. Reading the book, we are comforted by the joy of discovering anew that Christ "will be with us to the end of the age." He will be with his Church. And the Spirit of the Lord will continue to purify and sanctify her with his gifts. On our part, as disciples of the Lord, we need docility to his projected design, "the mystery hidden for ages and generations, but now made manifest to his saints... Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1. 26-27).

24th January 1987.