We hold that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all.* For that is truly and in the strictest sense “Catholic,” which, as the name itself and the reason of the thing declare, comprehends all universally. This rule we shall observe if we follow universality, antiquity, consent. We shall follow universality if we confess that one faith to be true, which the whole Church throughout the world confesses; antiquity, if we in no wise depart from those interpretations which it is manifest were notoriously held by our holy ancestors and fathers; consent, in like manner, if in antiquity itself we adhere to the consentient definitions and determinations of all, or at the least of almost all priests and doctors.

*This is the way forward for Christians beset with controversy and rancor on every side. We return to the ancient faith as we have received it from the Apostles.  We look back in order to move forward! JWS

 The Commonitory of St. Vincent of Lerins . Veritatis Splendor Publications. Kindle Edition.