What are the three states of the Church in the Communion of Saints?
The Communion of Saints unites all members of Christ across three distinct states: 1) The Church Militant: the faithful on earth engaged in spiritual warfare against sin and temptation; 2) The Church Suffering (or Penitent): the holy souls in Purgatory being purified before entering heaven, helped by our prayers and Masses; and 3) The Church Triumphant: the blessed in Heaven enjoying the Beatific Vision, who intercede for us. All three states are joined in one great communion of love and prayer in Christ.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 954-959
- Hebrews 12:22-24
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.