- from CatholicCulture.org
As Catholics, what we believe comes from both Scripture and Tradition. But how do we know what beliefs to take from these two sources? How do we know the correct interpretation of the Bible or which traditions and teachings are actually Tradition? That is where the Magisterium come into play. Essentially, the Magisterium is the authority, given to the bishops by Christ as successors of the Apostles, to teach on matters of faith and morals. When the Magisterium speaks on a particular subject, Catholics are obliged to accept that teaching as true. However, the Magisterium is always in communion with the Pope, who has the ultimate teaching authority within the Church.