The Archbishop of Southwark, John Wilson, has said that he hopes his new book will “encourage us to become contemplatives of the Second Vatican Council” and “reflect prayerfully on the key constitutions that are timeless and beautiful”.
Pauline Books and Media, which is led by Sr Elaine Penrice and Sr Angela Grant of the Congregation of the Daughters of St Paul, collaborated with the Archbishop to produce the book Pondering and Praying Vatican II. They spoke alongside the Archbishop at the book’s launch on 6 March at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark.
The book aims to make the four constitutions of Vatican II accessible to those with no specialist theological knowledge. Sr Angela said that the goal is to “revive our faith and mission” and remarked that “there was a big change in the faith after Vatican II and that deserves to be known and accessible”.
Archbishop John Wilson said “the context of Vatican II has not ended” and that there are “treasures still in the process of unearthing”. He said that in a time when the Church needs to be equipped for evangelisation, in the run-up to the 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Year of Jubilee, the book is a timely resource. He emphasises that Pope Francis has called on us to prepare for the Jubilee year and to refocus on the four constitutions. Sr Angela said it was a time to “celebrate a new springtime of the Church and in our faith”.
The Archbishop spoke of the significance of Saint Oscar Romero, calling him “the first martyr of Vatican II”. He said that we ought to use him as a lens through which to look at the Vatican Council, “through his focus on justice, peace and care for the poorest”.
Also present at the book launch was the former Archbishop of Southwark, Kevin McDonald, who said that Vatican II has an “attitude of openness, receptivity and inclusion” which is timely now as the world is “thankfully more connective” as churches seek to connect with those who are outside of it.
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