ANNIVERSARY OF VATICAN II
On 25 January 1959, Pope John XXIII announced a general council of the Catholic Church, the first council to be held in 100 years. During the Council, 2500 bishops would meet and work toward two main goals: to advance Christian unity and to bring the Church up to date to serve the world better. As the news spread throughout the world, so too did anticipation and hope!
January 25, 2009, will mark 50 years since that momentous announcement. How can we observe this anniversary? Four Canadians who participated in Vatican II are already working on ideas. Retired Bishops Paul-emile Charbonneau of Gatineau-Hull and Remi De Roo of Victoria have been meeting with reporters Bernard Daly of Toronto and Réjean Plamondon of Montreal, who covered Vatican II for English and French media. Everyone is invited to join them by sharing ideas, experiences, and hopes (see tab "Contacts").
Some possible events include:
-- special Catholic liturgies, to give thanks and to renew and continue the Council's aims;
-- celebrations with other Christians to recall that the announcement of Vatican II took place during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity;
-- acts of solidarity with the less fortunate and environmental protection projects to reflect the Council's outreach.
This is an opportunity for those of us who experienced the full Council, whether in Rome or from the pews, to share with others (how to mention youth?) what Vatican II meant and still means for the Church and the world.
We in the planning group want to hear from you. As well, share your ideas with your pastor, parish council and bishop. Plan with ecumenical and interfaith friends. Help usall to commemorate the launch of Vatican II, "a witness and guide of the faith of the People of God."
with
Bishop Paul-emile Charbonneau, retired
(Source: Living With Christ, Novalis, January 2007, 189-190.)