LESSON 3: SERVANT OF THE

SERVANTS

PREPARED BY: MR. KYLE ANGELO B.

CAYABAN
SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS
• The title “Servant of the Servants of God” was popularized by Pope St.
Gregory. He showed that the authority of the Pope must be seen as a ministry
of service. If all the members of the Church are the servants of God, then the
Pope, our head, is our servant.
• The pope manifests his being a servant by being the teacher of God’s people.
The Pope teaches infallibly or without error. This does not mean that he is
free from sin.
• He teaches the members of the Church through encyclicals and apostolic
exhortations that he writes.
SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS
• Encyclical – a letter addressed by the Pope to the bishops and to all the
faithful. Encyclicals target the vital mission of the Church in modern times.
• Apostolic exhortation – a type of communication from the Pope which
encourages a type of action but does not define the Church doctrine. This is
also known as the particular instructions on certain matters of faith and morals.
• Depending on the need of the times and the theme of a gathering of bishops,
known as the Synod, the Pope explains in depth the topic discussed in the
gathering.
• These teachings of the Pope are meant for the whole Church and all are
expected to heed their message.
SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS
• The Pope is ably assisted by a group of Cardinals known as the Roman
Curia. With a following close to 12 billion, it would have been impossible to
manage the affairs of the Church without their help.
• Our country at present has four cardinals namely: Orlando Cardinal
Quevedo, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle,
and Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
• At the national level, there is the episcopal conference of bishops. Bonding
for the purpose of projecting a united front before its members, this episcopal
conference helps in realizing the Church’s programs for the individual
dioceses the bishops manage in union with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.
SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS
• As members of the Church, it is incumbent upon us to recognize the
authority of the Pope as the visible head of the Church. Knowing that what
he teaches is free from error in terms of faith and morals, we are called to
reflect on, pray over, and apply in our lives the challenge posed through the
apostolic exhortations and encyclicals he writes.
• We also have the duty to pray for and support the Pope and all the members
of the clergy.
WE CELEBRATE THE TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH

• Peter was chosen “rock” upon which Christ would build His Church. This
Petrine Commission was confirmed when the Risen Christ, calling Peter to
a threefold profession of atoning love, charged him thrice with the task of
shepherding and leading the flock: “Feed my lambs.” (cf. Jn 21:15 – 17)
• Since Christ’s commission to Peter and His apostles was destined to last until
the end of the world, the apostles were careful to appoint successors in this
hierarchically structured society, the Church.
QUIZ NO. 2 FROM LESSON 3
GET ½ CROSSWISE SHEET OF PAPER.
WRITE “QUIZ NO. 2” IN IT.
WRITE THE WORD/TERM OF THE CORRECT ANSWER.

1. Pope Francis is considered as the ___________ successor of Peter as the

head of the Church. (276th, 266th, 256th, 286th)
2. Jesus changed Simon’s name into Peter which means __________. (star,
light, rock, king)
3. This is known as the official papal vehicle. A. Black Lamborghini B.
Mercedes SCV1 C. White Ferrari G7F2 D. Toyota Land Rover ZRT458)
4. Pope Francis’ place of birth is at __________. A. Milan, Italy B. Bogota,
Colombia C. Sao Paulo, Brazil D. Buenos Aires, Argentina)
5. Our recent pope’s name was inspired by this saint’s name. A. St. Francis
of Assisi B. St. Francis Xavier C. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini D. St.
Anthony of Padua)
6. He was the one who popularized the title, “Servant of the Servants of God”.
(Pope Pius X, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Gregory the Great)
7. This serve as the Pope’s right hand in terms of the affairs in the Church.
(Roman Pontiff, Royal Cardinals, Roman Curia, Petrine Commission)
8. This refers to the appointment of the Resurrected Christ to Peter to take care of
the Church. (Petrine Commission, Laudato Si, Mozzeta, Apostolic Exhortation)
9. This is a letter written by the Pope in teaching the morals and in spreading his
mission/advocacy. (Roman dissertation, Encyclicals, Apostolic Exhortation,
Catechetical letter)
10. This virtue was shown by Pope Francis that made him different from the other
previous popes. (Fidelity, Justice, Simplicity, Prudence)