Vatican II at 60

Bishops from around the world gather at St. Peter’s Basilica for a session of the Second Vatican Council.
Bishops from around the world gather at St. Peter’s Basilica for a session of the Second Vatican Council. (photo: Lothar Wolleh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0)

When Pope St. John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council on Oct. 11, 1962, he expressed a confident trust that, “in the light of this Council,” the Church would gain in spiritual riches “to face the future without fear.” This special Register Symposium will not only look back to the origins and activities of the Council, but will also take stock of its continued relevance in our present ecclesial moment — and its significance for the Church’s future.

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis