Vatican II, aka the Second Vatican Council
Last week, I wrote about what my daughter Bea noticed about our liturgies, especially the homilies of Fr. Steve and Fr. Thomas. She’s appreciated them very much, as this summer she was playing piano at another parish in our Archdiocese. There, she noticed that the homilies were long, yet light on substance. Often, they evoked a pre-Vatican II mentality that Catholics are better than other faiths.
Speaking of Vatican II, I was recently asked about it. Why do we bring it up so much? Fr. Steve preached on it and writes columns about it. Fr. Thomas considers himself a “Vatican II” priest.
For my part, I look at the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) as the most significant event in Roman Catholic church history in the last 150 years. My sense is that many people of my age (or older) also consider the Council as highly significant.
I’ve come to realize, however, that many people use “Vatican II” as a shorthand reference to many changes in our church. Younger folks may take these changes for granted:
• Mass in English instead of Latin.
• Changes in church architecture—our building is a great example. We have no pews (they were a Protestant innovation).
• Renewal of our liturgy: the goal is full, conscious and active participation by everyone, not just the priest-presider.
• An emphasis on care for the poor.
• A shift from a culture of clericalism to one that recognizes the importance of everyone’s baptism.
What I’m concerned about are the observations by my daughter and others that some parishes are, well, less attentive to the teachings of Vatican II. It feels to me sometimes as if some folks want to return to pre-Vatican II days in all respects.
Let’s not do that. Rather, let’s continue to keep the best of those old days. Let’s continue to benefit from the teachings of Vatican II. Let’s continue to renew our church, following the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Have a great week!
Leave a Comment