THE ECCLESIOLOGY OF ST. THOMAS CHRISTIAN IN THE LIGHT OF LUMEN GENTIUM

Abstract

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) marked a transformative moment in the history of the Catholic Church, opening new horizons for its relationship with the modern world. The reception of the Council can be evaluated in three phases: an initial euphoric period, a time of frustration, and a phase of productive confrontation leading to a new interpretation of its doctrines. Over these sixty years, various ecclesiological concepts have emerged, such as the Church as a mystery, the People of God, the communion of Churches, and eucharistic and pilgrim ecclesiology, all rooted in the Council’s documents like Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes. When applied to the ecclesiology of the St. Thomas Christians, it becomes evident that many of these Vatican II concepts were already present in their tradition, liturgy, and spirituality. This study explores how the ecclesiology of St. Thomas Christians exemplifies key principles of Vatican II, particularly those outlined in Lumen Gentium.