Tradition

COMPENDIUM

Tradition is the unwritten word of God, orally handed down by Jesus Christ and His Apostles, and coming down to us from age to age through the Church. Traditional teaching is found chiefly in the Decrees of the Councils, in the writings of the Fathers, in the Acts of the Holy See, and in the words and customs of the Sacred Liturgy. It should be held in the same esteem as the revealed word of God contained in Holy Scripture.

CATECHISM

889. What is meant by Tradition?

Tradition is the non-written word of God, which has been transmitted by word of mouth by Jesus Christ and by the Apostles, and which has come down to us through the centuries by the means of the Church, without being altered.

890. Where are the teachings of Tradition kept?

The teachings of Tradition are kept chiefly in the Councils' Decrees, the writings of the Holy Fathers, the Acts of the Holy See and the words and practices of the Sacred Liturgy.

891. What importance must we attach to Tradition?

We must attach to Tradition the same importance as the revealed word of God which Holy Scripture contains.