". . . it must be stated that the dogmatic formulas of the Church's Magisterium were from the beginning suitable for communicating revealed truth, and that as they are they remain forever suitable for communicating this truth to those who interpret them correctly. It does not however follow that every one of these formulas has always been or will always be so to the same extent. . . .
"As for the meaning [(sensus)] of dogmatic formulas [(formularum)], this remains ever true and constant in the Church, even when it is expressed with greater clarity or more developed. The faithful therefore must shun the opinion, first, that dogmatic formulas (or some category of them) cannot signify truth in a determinate way, but can only offer changeable approximations to it, which to a certain extent distort or alter it; secondly, that these formulas signify the truth only in an indeterminate way, this truth being like a goal that is constantly being sought by means of such approximations. Those who hold such an opinion do not avoid dogmatic relativism and they corrupt the concept of the Church's infallibility relative to the truth to be taught or held in a determinate way.
". . . the meaning of dogmas which is declared by the Church is determinate and unalterable. . . .
". . . we can know the true and unchanging meaning of dogmas. What is new and what [John XXIII] recommends in view of the needs of the times pertains only to the modes of studying, expounding and presenting that doctrine while keeping its permanent meaning. . . ."
Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Mysterium ecclesiae, or Declaration in defense of the Catholic doctrine on the Church against certain errors of the present day 5, 24 June 1973. Latin at AAS 65 (1973): 396-408, and here.
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