50th anniversary of the opening of the 2nd Vatican Council
(March 24.2012) Pope Benedict XVIth exhorted his listeners to re-discover the joy
of believing and of communicating to others the force and beauty of the faith. He
said this in a video message to the faithful assembled in Lourdes to commemorate the
50th anniversary of the opening of the second Vatican Council, by Pope
John XXIIIrd on October 11th, 1962. It was the 21st ecumenical,
and largest Council in church History. The Council was concluded by Pope Paul VIth
on December 8th 1965. The Pope said further that the re-discovered enthusiasm
urges the need of the New Evangelization, which summons all faithful to go forth
fearlessly to lead the men and women of today to friendship with Christ. The second
Vatican Council, continues the Pope, has been and remains the authentic sign of God
for our times. And under the secure guidance of the teaching of the Church, it can
become an immense strength for the future of the church for her spiritual and pastoral
renewal through a deep conversion of heart. The two-day meeting at Lourdes, on Saturday
and Sunday, has been organized by the French Episcopal Conference. In his message
the Pope also expressed his fervent wish for the unity of all Christians and the consolidation
of the unity within the great family of the Catholic Church. 2,500 Bishops, priests,
deacons and faithful (recalling the number of Council Fathers) took part in the meeting.
The three central themes of the meeting were Christ the Light of the world, the Church
sign of God, proclaimer of peace and Man the way of the Church. The Pope’s message
had been pre-recorded as he is currently on his pastoral visit to Mexico and Cuba.
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