Why is October 11 significant in the life of Pope John XXIII and that of the Second Vatican Council? Pope John XXIII decided to convene the Second Vatican Council on October 11, 1962, the feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. John XXIII was attuned to the symbolic connections made through feast...
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What preparations did Pope John XXIII enact during the spring and summer of 1959 to prepare for the ecumenical council? Fifty years ago newly-elected Pope John XXIII announced his desire to convoke an ecumenical council. His announcement encountered a variety of reactions and objections. However, John felt compelled to pursue his Spirit-led desire for...
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What were Pope John XXIII’s hopes and goals for the ecumenical council that he convoked? Fifty years ago, on January 25, 1959, at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, newly-elected Pope John XXIII made a brief announcement to a small group of cardinals gathered at the Roman basilica of St....
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