A Vatican II Journey: Fifty Milestones

A remarkable event in the history of the Catholic Church is the Second Vatican Council (1962- 1965). This solemn Church assembly claims five popes among its participants: Blessed John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, Blessed John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. All have expressed their deep appreciation of the Council, often with effusive words. 

John XXIII formulated his vision of the Council in a prayer to the Holy Spirit: "Renew your wonders in our time, as though for a new Pentecost." Paul VI viewed the Council as a challenges: "The first need of the Church is always to live Pentecost." 

John Paul II asserted that the Council documents "have not lost their value nor their brilliance." Benedict XVI has noted that he wished "to confirm my determination to continue to put the Second Vatican Council into practice." 

Readers will find here important signposts to assist them in discovering the treasures of the Council.