Vatican II and Its Four Constitutions
Introduction
On January 25, 1959, Pope Saint John XXIII announced his intention to call an ecumenical council, the 21st council in the history of the Catholic Church. His purpose was to bring about a spiritual and pastoral renewal in the life of the Church and to foster a deeper relationship with other Christians on the path to unity desired by Christ.
The opening of the Second Vatican Council took place on October 11, 1962, as bishops from around the world joined Pope St. John XXIII at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Pope Saint Paul VI solemnly concluded the Council December 8, 1965.Of the sixteen documents promulgated during the four years of the Council, four Constitutions stand out as foundational for understanding and bringing about the spiritual and pastoral renewal foreseen by the bishops. These documents have guided the Church during the past sixty years and will continue to shape the life of the Church in the future.
In 2025 the universal Church will celebrate a Jubilee Year – a year of renewal in faith. The theme of the year established by Pope Francis is “Pilgrims of Hope“. Pope Francis has asked that the preparation for the Jubilee be marked in a particular way by rediscovering the teachings of Vatican II, in particular the four Constitutions, and by prayer.
For the last several years, Pope Francis has been inviting the Church to become “synodal”, that is, to walk together on our earthly pilgrimage, listening attentively to the voice of the Holy Spirit, guiding and directing our steps. This invitation is deeply rooted in the long history of the Catholic Church and in the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, a sure guide for the pilgrim Church today.
This five-part study of the Constitutions is offered to parishes and other communities to assist them in their preparation for the Jubilee year and take up Our Holy Father’s invitation to become a synodal Church, a church of communion, participation and mission.
May our study of the Constitutions, accompanied by prayer, open our hearts to become ambassadors of hope in our local communities and in the world.
Monsignor Murray J. Kroetsch
Vicar General and Chancellor
