EASTERN SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY

MAIN CAMPUS

WRITTEN REPORT
IN
RELIGION (ROMAN CATHOLICISM)

By,
Barbo, Mark Niño
Cassilano, Ma. Jane Khana
Costuna, Joylyn
Concan, Lovely L.
Datul, Bernadette
Garado, Jhea
Gallego, Ofelia
Quiloña, Cristine
 INTRODUCTION

HISTORY OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM

Roman Catholicism is the world's largest CHRISTIAN religion with over 1.3 billion
members. The word "catholic" was coined by St. Ignatius of Antioch which means
"universal" or "spreading widely in the whole world". Hence, Catholic Church is
everywhere, and it is for everyone who wants to be a true follower of Christ.

Catholicism is a branch of Christianity which can be traced after the death, resurrection,
and ascension of Jesus Christ, which is believed to be the founder of Catholic Church.
The Catholics have Christian faith centered in Jesus Christ, who is Himself "the Way, the
Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).

SAINT PETER was considered as one of the pillars of the early Christian Church along
with James and John. After Christ's death and resurrection, Peter began to preach his
own version of Christ's teachings to people. He began assuming the position of a leader
and gathered a group of followers. Before ending up in Rome, he went to Palestine and
Asia Minor first to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is
solely dedicated to his martyrdom. It is the final residence and martyrdom of Saint
Peter. He was then buried at the Vatican Necropolis close to the site of his death. His
execution was ordered by the Roman Emperor Nero, who blamed the city's Christians
for a terrible fire that had ravaged Rome. Peter requested to be crucified upside down,
as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ.

CONSTANTINE, known as Constantine the Great was Roman Emperor from 306-337 A.D.
He was the first Roman to convert into Christianity and made it as the main religion of
Rome, and created Constantinople, which became the most powerful city in the world.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM

● THE PENTECOST - Jesus died, came back to life, and ascend to heaven. The Apostles
were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. (1Corinthians 14:2
For anyone who speaks in tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no
one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.)

● THE ECUMENICAL COUNCILS

1. COUNCIL OF NICAEA (325 AD)

The first council that was convened by Emperor Constantine to resolve the
controversy of ARIANISM, a doctrine which believes that "Christ was not divine but
a created humankind." One of the Christian beliefs of Catholic Christianity is the
Holy Trinity - which means that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three
aspects of the same divine. The Nicene Creed was formed which recognizes the son.

2. COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE (381 AD)

The second council. It was convened by Emperor Theodosius I to condemn the

PNEUTOMACHIANISM which is an adversary of the Holy Ghost; one who denies the
existence of the Holy Spirit.

3. COUNCIL OF EPHESUS (431 AD)

The third council. It was convened under Theodosius II to condemn the heresy
NESTORIANISM which incorrectly taught that the Virgin Mary simply gave birth to a
man named Jesus.

4. COUNCIL OF CHALCEDON (451 AD)

The fourth council. Convened under Emperor Marcian to condemn the false
teachings MONOPHYSITISM which rejects the human nature of Jesus. A
Christological teaching that the person of Christ consisted of a single divine nature
or a united divine and human nature in which the human was absorbed by the
divine.

5. SECOND CONSTANTINOPLE COUNCIL (553 AD)

Convened under Justinian I to condemn a controversy between Nestorians and

Monophysites.

6. THIRD CONSTANTINOPLE COUNCIL (680 AD)

Convened under Constantine IV to condemn the Monothelitism which is the

theological doctrine that Christ had only one will.

7. SECOND NICAEA COUNCIL (787 AD)

 Convened by Impress Irene (widow of Leo IV) to condemn the iconoclasm which
means "image breaking” and refers to a recurring historical impulse to break or
destroy images for religious or political reasons.

● THE CRUSADES - Their primary objectives were to stop the expansion of Muslim
states, to reclaim for Christianity the Holy Land in the Middle East, and to recapture
territories that had formerly been Christian. The Popes wanted more power and
prestige, and Christians wanted to regain Jerusalem from Muslim control and
protect other sites important to Christianity.

● PROTESTANT REFORMATION - Martin Luther began to question the Christian

Church in the early 1500s because some of the Church leaders were abusing their
power and he disagrees with some of Christian's practices and doctrines (1) The
pope, not the bible, is their spiritual authority. He believed that the bible should be
viewed as the only reliable source of information and authority. (2) He also criticized
the church for selling indulgences which is a practice for purchasing forgiveness for
sins by giving money to the church - He believed that people need to revise this
doctrine by RETURNING to the BIBLE's teaching and claimed that salvation could be
granted by faith in Christ alone.

He come up with 95 theses or arguments against the church and placed it unto the
door of Castle Church in Witterberg, Germany. Later on, he was put on trial by the
Church officials to defend his 95 theses, however in January 1521, he was
excommunicated by the church. His “95 Theses,” which propounded two central
beliefs—that the Bible is the central religious authority and that humans may reach
salvation only by their faith and not by their deeds—was to spark the Protestant
Reformation. During this time, the printing press was newly discovered which gave
Martin Luther an advantage to reach and provide people, particularly those who
have the ability to read, copy of new translations of the bible. According to him,
people should learn from the bible themselves instead of relying on priests and
clergy.

The reformation began spreading in Europe with various reformers which is why we
now have Christian Denominations.

ROMAN CATHOLICISM MAJOR BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

 Reporter; Concan, Lovely

Catholics believe the words remembered in the Apostles Creed:

“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he
descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at
the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness
of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.”

This is based on the teaching of the Apostles. It was written in the 4th Century CE; it
gives a summary of key catholic beliefs about the following:

The oneness of God and the TrinityThe incarnation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God The
meaning of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus

The oneness of God and the TrinityThe incarnation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God The
meaning of the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus

RITUALS AND PRACTICES

Eucharist

Derived from the Greek word meaning ‘thanksgiving’, the focus is on the sacrifice of
Christ on the cross and the re-enactment of the Last Supper of Jesus. The Sacrament of the
Eucharist, also known as the ‘Holy Communion’ or the ‘Lord’s Supper’, is the second sacrament
of initiation in the Catholic Church. During the ritual, bread and red wine are sanctified by a
member of the clergy. This process of consecrating the bread and wine is believed to change the
substances into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation serves to confirm a baptized person in their faith. The ritual is
usually received when the person is a young teenager. During a confirmation, a bishop or priest
places their hands on the person and offers a prayer, blessing and an anointing of the forehead
with holy oil. The religious leader then utters the words, “Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy
Spirit”. The act of ‘sealing’ confirms the person is a member of the Church and also welcomes
the inner presence of the Holy Spirit.

Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as ‘Confession’ or ‘Penance’, is seen as an
opportunity for one to renew their faith. During the ritual, sins are privately recounted to a priest,
who acts as an administrator in the reconciliation between God and the sinner. It is also an
opportunity for self-reflection and to take responsibility for one’s actions. Some Catholics may
participate in the sacrament based on personal preference. For example, some participate in
reconciliation weekly before they receive the Eucharist, whereas others may seek penance during
particular seasons such as Lent or Advent.

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is the Sacrament administered to give strength
and comfort to the ill. The ritual is usually performed in a home, a church or a hospital by a
priest or bishop. The clergy member typically prays over the person and anoints their head and
hands with holy oil.

Matrimony

A baptized man and baptized woman administer the Sacrament of Matrimony to each
other through their lifelong partnership (also known as marriage). The Catholic Church sees
marriage as a reflection of the union of Christ, thus considering it to be an indissoluble union.
The ritual usually takes place during a religious ceremony, with a cleric who serves as the
minister and witness to the mutual consent of the couple. Only scriptures from the Bible can be
approved as the vows to be read and recited by the couple during the ceremony.
Ordination

The Sacrament of Ordination, also known as Holy Orders, is a sacrament available to

men who are being ordained as bishops, priests or deacons. During the ritual, a prayer and
blessing is offered as a bishop places his hands on the head of a man being ordained into the holy
order. The ritual grants newly ordained ministers the power to administer the Sacraments
depending on their respective order.

Tithes
Tithes refers to the Christian practice of charity whereby a Christian offers a set
proportion of their wealth. The act of tithing is usually voluntary, and members may offer
money, goods or services. In some exceptional cases, one may be required to give a specific
percentage of wealth. This depends on the country and the Christian denomination.

Liturgy
In Christianity, there is a general distinction between liturgical (‘high church’) and non-
liturgical (‘low church’) churches. This is often based on the degree to which a church’s worship
is elaborate, standardized and whether it contains formalized rituals. Typical practices in
liturgical churches include special attire for the clergy, religious symbols, recitation of prayers,
observance of a yearly liturgical calendar and performing sacraments (especially the Eucharist).

The Catholic Church is a liturgical faith, meaning that Catholic services (known as Mass)
use carefully prescribed rituals. Some of the major characteristics of Catholic liturgical practice
include a formal structure to religious ceremonies, specific prayers and spoken texts,
iconography, a variety of hymns and the use of physical materials (such as holy oil and incense).
Gestures
A common gesture throughout Catholic worship is the pressing of one’s hands together
(known as ‘folded hands’). This is usually done when in prayer. A variation of folded hands is
interlacing the fingers. Some people may also kneel on the ground with their hands pressed.

Prayers
There are various ways Catholics show their devotion through prayer and worship. One
of the most common prayers is the Lord’s Prayer, which is a prayer directed to God. It is also
common for prayer to be in the form of psalms, hymns and songs. People may participate in
communal prayer at the church or may perform a private prayer.
Weekly Observance
Mass is the primary weekly worship ceremony celebrated by Catholics all over the world.
The ceremony is held each Sunday, often in the morning or multiple times a day. Mass can only
occur through the exercised authority of a clergy member and is nearly always held in a church.
Some churches may hold a service on Saturday evening as an alternative for those who cannot
attend on Sunday. Masses can also occur throughout the week (known as daily Mass), albeit
shorter in length.

FUNERAL PRACTICES AND AFTER-LIFE BELIEFS

Treatment of the bodyat the funeral home or during the funeral the body is viewed.
Funeral/Memorial Services May occur up to one week after death; includes vigil and prayers.
Interment The official burial service. Mourning Period Members of the grieving party stay
home for one week before returning to their regular schedules.

-Believe that those who follow God shall be rewarded in the afterlife; those who don’t are
punished. -Cemeteries are the most common burial ground.
 SYMBOLS

Reporter: Datul, Bernadette

Alpha and omega

The alpha and omega have been used by Catholics since the fourth century as symbols
expressing the confidence of orthodox Christians in the scriptural proofs of God. In the book of
revelation 22:13, Christ refers to himself as the alpha and the omega. That is, the first and the
last. These two letters symbolize the fact that Christ is the beginning and the end of all creation.

The sacred heart

On its own, the heart is a symbol of love. But the Sacred Heart, pierced and wrapped in thorns,
shows the depth of Jesus' love. It indicates that he was prepared to suffer and die for all people,
and that his love is eternal.

IHS and Chi-Rho

IHS is a shortened form of the Greek word for Jesus, which is "IHΣΟΥΣ." The letters X and P
are often used as another symbol for Christ. The first two letters of Christ's name in Greek are X
and P. In the Greek alphabet, X equals "CH," and P equals "R." Also known as the Chi-Rho
cross, the letters are usually inscribed one over the other and are sometimes enclosed within a
circle, becoming both a cosmic and a solar symbol.

The Fish
One of the oldest Christian symbols is the fish. It was used by Christians to identify themselves
and each other, often in times of persecution. The Greek word for fish is "Ichthus," which is also
an acronym for Jesus. The Latin, "Issus Christos Theo Uios Sooter" translates in English to,
"Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."

The dove

The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, a dove
descended on him, according to Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10. The dove is sometimes depicted
with an olive branch in its mouth as a symbol of peace. It also symbolizes God's grace.

Crossed Keys

The crossed keys represent the metaphorical keys that Jesus promised to St. Peter, empowering
him to take binding actions in leading the institution of the Catholic Church. In short, they are a
symbol of the Pope's authority.

Lamb

The whiteness of the Lamb symbolizes innocence and purity. Lambs are also often associated
with sacrifice in the Old Testament. Christ, the sacrificial lamb, died for the sins of humanity.
The lamb can also symbolize subservience to God.

The lamb is sometimes portrayed with a flag. This is symbolic of Christ's victory over death in
his resurrection.

RELIGIOUS AND SYMBOLS OF CATHOLISM

Reporter: Barbo, Mark Nino

Religious architecture and symbols of catholic play an important role in the

practice of the Catholic faith.

CROSS:
  The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of Catholicism. It
represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for humanity.

CRUCIFIX:
 Is a cross with a representation of Jesus Christ’s body on it. It is a powerful
symbol of Christ’s sacrifices and love for humanity.

ALTAR:
 The altar is the focal point of Catholic worship. It is the table where the
Eucharist is celebrated and where the priest stands during the Mass.

CATHEDRAL:

 A Cathedral is a large, important church of a diocese. It is often the seat of

a bishop. Stained glass windows: Stained glass windows are a beautiful
and important part of Catholic architecture. They are often used to depict
scenes from the Bible or the lives of saints.
STATUES:
 Statues of saints or other religious figures are often found in Catholic
churches. They are used to help people focus their prayers and to remind
them of the example of the saint.

ROSARY:

 Is a set of prayer beads that are used to pray the Hail Mary and other
prayers. It is a powerful tool for meditation and reflection.

TABERNACLE:

 The tabernacle is a special cabinet where the Eucharist is stored after it is

consecrated during the Mass. It is a symbol of the presence of Christ in the
church.
DOME:
 Are often used in Catholic architecture to symbolize the heavens and the
glory of God. Stations of the Cross: The Stations of the cross are a series
of 14 images that depict the final hours of Jesus’ life. They are often
displayed in Catholic churches and used as a focus for prayer and
meditation.
 HOLY SITES IN ROMAN CATHOLICISM

By. Jhea C.Garado

Christianity is the largest religion in the world with about 2.1 billion followers. It is a
monotheistic religious group based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. All over
the world, there are holy sites associated with Christianity and believed to play a
significant role in the life of Christians. Thousands of Christian pilgrims visit these sites
annually for site seeing, soul-searching, and for Christian traditions.

Jerusalem

Along the boundaries of West Bank in modern-day Israel lies Jerusalem, one of the
oldest cities in the world. It is home to the three Abrahamic religious groups of Islam,
Christianity, and Judaism. Remarkable holy sites of Christian faith include the Hill of
Golgotha/Calvary that is located outside the city walls where Jesus was crucified. Upon
his death, Jesus was buried in a tomb believed to be located at the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher, although the exact location of the tomb is unknown. After the Last Supper,
Jesus led his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. It was at the same garden
where Jesus was betrayed and arrested by his disciple Judas. The garden is lush with
ancient olive trees creating a cool Mediterranean-style forest perfect for those in search
of a secluded place for prayer. The Hall of the Last Supper where Jesus sat with his
disciples before the crucifixion is also found in the city of Jerusalem. Thousands of
Christian pilgrimages from across the globe visit the holy sites of Jerusalem.

Bethlehem

According to Christian literature, when the Roman emperor ordered citizens to return to
their hometowns for a census, Joseph and Mary returned to Bethlehem where Mary
gave birth to Jesus in a manger. The manager is believed to be located at the Church of
Nativity in Bethlehem. The church, which bears the shape of a cross, is among the
oldest churches in the world. A few meters away from the church is the Milk Grotto,
where the holy family took refuge when Herod ordered all newborns to be killed. Many
Christians believe that when Mary was nursing, a drop of her milk fell on the ground and
turned the cave white. People from across the globe believe in the fertility powers of the
chalk rock. The old city of Bethlehem is an interesting town for strolls. The Star Street is
believed to be the ancient path followed by Joseph and Mary to the Nativity and Grotto.
Sephoria

Sephoria is a Roman-Jewish town set atop a hill four miles away from Nazareth.
Although the town is not mentioned in the New Testament, it is believed to be the home
of Mary’s parents, Anna and Joachim. It is also assumed the place where Joseph
worked at some point as a carpenter since it was the capital of Nazareth. Sepphoria is a
ruined city with a synagogue dating to the 5th century CE. The synagogue is decorated
with mosaic designs including the Binding of Isaac, the Consecration of Aaron in the
Tabernacle, and the visitation of Abraham and Sarah by the Angels. During the Roman
era, the Romans built important roads that connected the city with other major cities like
the port of Acre, Galilee, and Yifat making it is a major trade town. Christians visit
Sepphoria to view the ruins that display the early Christian life.

Sea Of Galilee

The Sea Galilee often referred to as the Kinneret by modern Israelis, is located along
the early trade route of Via Maris that connected the northern kingdoms with Egypt.
Galilee is one of the most significant Christian sites in Israel. It is believed that its
location attracted Greek, Roman, and Jewish settlers including the family of Jesus and
his followers who settled at Capernaum. According to the Gospel of Matthew, it is at
Galilee that Jesus performed most of his miracles, including his first, where he turned
water into wine at Cana, the modern-day Arab village of Kafar. The garden of Tabgha
located on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee is believed to be the plain where
Jesus feed 5,000 people with one loaf and two fish. At the same town is the St. Peters
Church of Primacy where Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection. The
octagon-shaped Church at the Mount of Beatitudes is the place where Jesus gave the
Sermon on the Mount. The Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist
flows from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.

Nazareth

Nazareth, often known as the hometown of Jesus is located in northern Israel. The
modern city is built over the old villages with archeological ruins from the times of Jesus
spotted in different locations. The Basilica of Annunciation is considered one of the
holiest Christians sites in the world. It is believed to be the house of Mary where the
angels announced about the birth of Jesus. The Synagogue Church built by crusaders
is believed to be the site of the first synagogue where Jesus began his messianic
journey. The Jews, who accused Jesus of blasphemy, chased him from the synagogue
and he fled to Mountain Precipice, which is located in south side of the city. The site
offers a picturesque view of the Yizrael valley, Mount Tabor, and Afula. The St. Joseph
Church is located at the site believed to be the place where Joseph had set up his
workshop.