The handing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles to their successors the bishops through the laying on of hands is the process known as what?

• A. Holy Tradition
• B. Canon Law
• C. Episcopal Constitution
• D. Apostolic Succession

Answer: (D)

Apostolic Succession is the line of transmission of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles to their successors, the bishops, through the laying on of hands. This practice ensures that the bishops inherit the same mission to teach, sanctify, and govern that Jesus entrusted to the Apostles. The laying on of hands in ordination is the visible sign that a bishop continues the apostolic authority, enabling him to ordain priests and oversee that the Church remains faithful to the apostolic teaching across generations.

Holy Tradition refers to the ongoing living transmission of faith, including teachings handed down orally and in writing, but it doesn’t specify the uninterrupted succession of entrusted authority from apostle to bishop. Canon Law is the Church’s legal framework, not the ongoing handing on of authority. Episcopal Constitution isn’t the standard term for this process. The specific practice of passing on authority through ordination and a continuing line of bishops is what Apostolic Succession describes.