23 July 2019

The Catechism of the Summa - XXII. OF THE ANGELS: THE HIERARCHIES AND THE ORDERS (D)

(D)

How many orders are there in each hierarchy?

There are three orders in each hierarchy (ibid.). Why are there three orders in each hierarchy? Because even with us the different classes which distinguish men in one city are reduced to three principal classes, namely, the nobles, the commoners, and the peasantry (CVIII. 2).

There are then in each hierarchy the higher angels, the lower angels, and the angels that come between?

Yes, and these form what are called the three orders of each hierarchy (CVIII. 2).
One must distinguish then, in all, nine angelic orders?

Yes, there are nine principal angelic orders (CVIII. 5, 6).

Why nine "principal" angelic orders?

Because in each order there are yet other subordinations almost without number, each angel having his proper place and his particular duty; but it is not for us to know all this in this life (CVIII. 3).

Are the nine orders the same as the nine choirs of angels?

Yes.

Why is the name "choirs" given to the angelic orders?

Because each order in fulfilling its duties in the divine government constitutes a class replete with harmony which makes manifest in a wonderful way the glory of God in this work.

What are the names of the nine choirs of angels?

They are, descending from the higher to the lower, the Seraphim, the Cherubim, the Thrones, the Dominations, the Virtues, the Powers, the Principalities, the Archangels, and the Angels (CVIII. 5).

Do these orders still exist among the devils?

Yes, for the orders are consequent upon the very nature of the angels; and nature in the devils remains the same.

Is there then a subordination among the devils just as there was before their fall?

Yes (CIX. 1, 2).

Is this order among them ever used for good?

No, it is never used except for evil (CIX. 3).

There is then no illumination among the devils?

Among the devils there is only the darkness of evil; and for this reason their empire is called the kingdom of darkness (ibid.).

Next - The Catechism of the Summa - XXIII. OF THE ACTION OF THE GOOD ANGELS ON THE CORPOREAL WORLD.


(This is no longer being shared from the Kindle edition. I'm now sharing from the  Jacques Maritain Center, at the University of Notre Dame.)

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