Fifty years ago today, on December 25, 1961, Pope John XXIII signed the Apostolic Constitution, Humanae Salutis, which officially announced Vatican Council II. Those of us who lived those fantastic years are living witnesses to the great optimism and creativity that were generated.
Vatican Council II rediscovered the role of the laity beyond the traditional roles of praying, paying and obeying- Fr Joe Borg
It was really a new spring that introduced a new era for the Church. The Church’s internal structures were renewed while better and more open relations with other churches and contemporary culture and society were embarked on.
This was the Council that revolutionised the way the Church looks at itself. Instead of a hierarchical pyramid, the Church was described as a people.
The description of the Church as a perfect society in relationship to another perfect society called the state was abandoned. We discovered a new relationship built on dialogue and on deep respect of the different competencies.
This was also the Council that rediscovered the role of the laity beyond the traditional roles of praying, paying and obeying.
Our bishops made at least two important references to this important anniversary.
In January, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech dedicated his annual beginning-of-the-year policy speech to the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, which he described as the inspiration of pastoral activity even today. Then towards the end of the year, the Advent pastoral letter reminded us of Vatican II and its importance.
The bishops wrote: “Fifty years ago saw the opening of the Second Vatican Council which was a powerful experience of the Spirit – an experience which unfolded new and great horizons. On that occasion, the Holy Spirit planted the seed which, if allowed to sprout and grow, can serve as a catalyst for a more beautiful Church and society.”
In his speech Mgr Grech did not have the restrictions of time or space that the bishops had collectively in the penning of their pastoral letter. He could discuss the subject at some length. He used a quote from Vatican Council II expert Fr Marie-Dominique Chenu, OP, to support his position.
Fr Chenu clearly said that the aggiornamento brought by the Council was not a cosmetic or superficial innovation. This aggiornamento implied a remodelling of the Church and its structures. It presents the Church with a big challenge as it has to find ways of communicating the immutable truths of the Gospel in a comprehensible way within dialogic parameters.
Fifty years down the line many do not know of Vatican II, or look at it as a thing of the past. On the other hand those who lived those years can attest to its providential nature and its great benefits.
Along the way, many, even in high places, tried to undermine this spirit of aggiornamento. They used the excesses and abuses of some to try and discredit the various structural changes and radically new mentality that the Council initiated and instilled in those that imbibed its spirit. The threat continues.
Concrete initiatives are needed to help the Church relive those wonderful years that we experienced 50 years ago. Unfortunately, the pastoral letter did not launch any new local initiative in this direction though it pointed towards the Year of Faith just announced by Pope Benedict as a good opportunity to rediscover the Council.
In the light of what Mgr Grech told Gozitan priests last January one could propose the setting up of structured study and reflection of the four main documents of Vatican II, that is, its document about the liturgy, revelation, the Church and its relationship with the world.
This project should be structured in such a way that from theoretical reflection we move on to practical changes in our structures and strategies.
I wish a Happy Christmas to all the readers of this column.
joseph.borg@um.edu.mt