On July 16, 2022, after twenty-five years of serving the Catholic faithful in the Puget Sound area, Vercillo’s Catholic Store launched it’s Closing Sale. Two months later we would lock the doors behind us for the last time.
During those years we had three wonderful popes: Pope John Paul II (1978-2005), Pope Benedict (2005-2013) and Pope Francis (2013 and still reigning when we closed in 2022). Our motto had always been, “Fidelity to Christ, His Church, and His Vicar”. It’s the definition of what it is to be Catholic.
In the days leading up to our final closing, we had local media attention, including being interviewed by a local Catholic radio personality. The interview was taped to be played at a later date.
We shared how much the Catholic radio station, and by default the interviewees program, meant to the Catholics and non-Catholics alike who frequented our Catholic store and we related several anecdotal stories of the spiritual, beneficial impact they had on the community.
During the interview we were asked to what we would credit our success and we mentioned a quote from (Saint) Mother Teresa, “We are not called to be successful but to be faithful”, that was “displayed on a small wooden block that sits atop the store’s computer as a daily reminder of what we all are, as faithful Catholics, called to in our daily lives — fidelity to Christ, His Church, and His Vicar”.
Needless to say, it was disappointing when the interview aired to find, that of the entire quote, only the words, “and His Vicar” had been spliced out during editing. In all fairness, it may have been accidental. But it gives cause to repeat what the Church teaches.
Fidelity to Christ, His Church, and His Vicar forms the essential foundation of what it means to live as faithful Catholics. This three-fold commitment anchors our spiritual life, ensuring that our faith remains tied to the universal community and the apostolic authority established by Jesus Christ Himself.
At its core, Catholic fidelity begins with an unconditional, unwavering commitment to the Person, teachings, and law of Christ. He is the ultimate exemplar of perfect fidelity. For a Catholic this means living His law by conforming our daily actions to His word, His promises, and the moral covenant He established. It means availing ourselves to His Sacraments regularly, especially Penance, the Sacrament of His Mercy, and Holy Communion, where we encounter His Real Presence — His body, blood, soul, and divinity. And choosing to walk with Him daily in discipleship relying on His mercy and strength rather than our own willfulness.
Secondly, Christ founded a visible, structured community. Fidelity to His Church requires building up the Body of Christ and preserving communion with it by: 1) Holding fast to the fullness of sacred truth, whether written in Scripture or handed down through Sacred Tradition, called the Deposit of Faith. 2) Following the Canonical Laws, the liturgical rites, and the common discipline that guide the life of the universal and local Church.
And, finally, fidelity to His Vicar. The Vicar of Jesus Christ, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Successor of the Prince of Apostles, Bishop of Rome, and Servant of the Servants of God, and Pope, serves as the visible sign of unity. True fidelity extends directly to the Pope’s person, Office, and Magisterium and those Bishops in union with the Pope. All are called to adhere with a submission of intellect and will to the authentic Magisterium (teaching authority) of the Pope even when he does not intend to proclaim a teaching via a definitive, solemn act (ex cathedra). The Catechism of the Catholic Church #882 repeats Canon Law #331 in defining the authority of the Pope of having “full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered”.
Ultimately, this three-fold fidelity transforms faith from a mere intellectual acceptance of ideas into a trustworthy, active, and lifelong relationship with God and His family on earth.
I have always explained that Popes are like Christmas trees — the current one is the very best we’ve ever had, until the next one.
Next Up: From Small Faith-filled Parish Homes to Impersonal Mega-Church Communities: What a difference 30 Makes.
