The 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council

The Second Vatican Council was convened on October 11,1962 by Pope John XXIII to deepen the spirituality of Catholics and to examine the role of the Catholic Church in the modern world. This anniversary presents us with a wonderful opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the words and spirit of this Council.

We provide here a small sampling of the many articles and books that have been and continue to be published on the work and impact of the Second Vatican Council. Please feel free to use these references as starting points for your exploration of the topic.


1. On-line articles from America Magazine. America Magazine is a wonderful source for information about the Council. We have tried to lead you to articles that are free to view; others requrie a subscription.

Aggiornamento 2012, editors, October 8, 2012

Vatican II: The Myth and the Reality, Avery Dulles, February 24, 2003


2. Vatican Website and Papal documents:

Documents of the Second Vatican Council (in multiple languages)

VATICAN COUNCIL II: LIGHT FOR THE CHURCH AND FOR THE MODERN WORLD,
by Vincenzo Carbone

Second Vatican Council opening address of Pope John XXIII

Second Vatican Council II Closing Speech by Pope Paul VI



3. Resource lists published by colleges and universities:

Boston College

Catholic University of America (A plentiful list of resources)

Spring Hill College (an extensive list of resources!!!!)

Georgetown University (A list of resources, mostly books, that were recommended before an on-campus forum on the topic of the Second Vatican Council.)


4. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) articles

"10 Ways Vatican II Shapes The Church Today," Archbishop Gregory Aymond, USCCB Committe on Divine Worship