Discover Vatican II
The Second Vatican Council was summoned by Pope John XXIII, convening in four sessions each year from 1962 to 1965. It was his desire that the Church be brought up to date and adapt itself to meet the challenging conditions of modern times. Generally, Vatican II was an overhaul of the way the Church conducted itself and celebrated the liturgy, so that she would be more accessible to the people. Therefore, the subject was not just any given element of the Church, but rather the entire Church, period. This was no small undertaking, and by the time it was over, it spawned four Constitutions, nine Decrees, and three Declarations. The Council was closed on December 8th, 1965 by Pope Paul VI, who had guided the council through its final three sessions.
Introduction to Vatican II
A Background
Currents of Renewal before Vatican II
The Second Vatican Council:
Vatican II - A rapid walk through some key features
Introduction
Preparation for the Council
The Council Opens
The Council and the Liturgy
The Altar
The Sacrifice of the Mass
The Sacraments and Sacramentals
The Concelebration of Mass
Divine Office
The Liturgical Year
Sacred Music
Sacred Art
Constitution of the Church
Decree on the Eastern Churches
Decree on Ecumenism
Other Problems
The Final Session
Reference documents
Pope John XXIII Opening Speech for Council of Vatican II
Pope Paul VI Closing Speech for Council of Vatican II
The 16 Documents of Vatican II
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Introduction to Vatican II Copyright © 2004 Fr. Francis Jamieson. All rights reserved. Vatican II - A Rapid Walk Through courtesy The Catholic Treasure Chest. Reference documents courtesy the Vatican Web Site. All rights reserved.
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