The Relevance and Future of the Second Vatican Council

The Relevance and Future of the Second Vatican Council

Author: Marc Ouellet

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2013-07-29

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 1681494043

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Fifty years after the opening of the Second Vatican Council, Cardinal Marc Ouellet-considered by many to have been a top candidate to succeed Pope Benedict XVI-gives his thoughts on the Council and what the Vatican II means for us today. In interviews with French priest Fr. Geoffroy de la Tousche, Cardinal Ouellet speaks both personally and professionally about the state of the Church since the Council, explaining what went wrong-and right-in the implementation of the Council's teachings. Ouellet discusses his own life, including his childhood in post-colonial Quebec, the search for meaning leading to his personal encounter with Christ, his vocation to the priesthood, being a professor in Latin America and Rome, and his more recent positions as archbishop of Quebec, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Drawing on his experience as both a formator of priests and a professor at the John Paul II Institute for the Family, Ouellet speaks of the significance of married love, the meaning of consecrated life, and the spousal nature of the priesthood. He illuminates these realities with the teachings of the Council. Among other topics, the Cardinal discusses his acquaintance with popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, his experience on the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, and his admiration for the youth today. The interview continues with questions about the Council's four Constitutions and the Council in general, leading to a discussion of a wide range of topics including liturgy, ecumenism, evangelization, the work of the laity, new movements and communities, vocations, celibacy, human dignity, war and justice, ecology, sin, and the Eucharist. Moving with clarity and ease between theological realities and personal impressions, Cardinal Ouellet discusses the state of the Church today with points that are challenging, edifying, and full of hope. Cardinal Marc Ouellet is the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was ordained in 1968 and is a priest of the Society of Saint-Suplice. After serving over 20 years as a university and seminary professor, he was appointed Archbishop of Quebec in 2002 and created cardinal by Pope John Paul II. Fr. Geoffroy de la Tousche was ordained in 1998 and is a priest of the Diocese of Rouen, France. In 2002, he completed a doctorate in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University on the subject of bishops as addressed in the Vatican II Constitution Lumen Gentium.


Book Synopsis The Relevance and Future of the Second Vatican Council by : Marc Ouellet

Download or read book The Relevance and Future of the Second Vatican Council written by Marc Ouellet and published by Ignatius Press. This book was released on 2013-07-29 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fifty years after the opening of the Second Vatican Council, Cardinal Marc Ouellet-considered by many to have been a top candidate to succeed Pope Benedict XVI-gives his thoughts on the Council and what the Vatican II means for us today. In interviews with French priest Fr. Geoffroy de la Tousche, Cardinal Ouellet speaks both personally and professionally about the state of the Church since the Council, explaining what went wrong-and right-in the implementation of the Council's teachings. Ouellet discusses his own life, including his childhood in post-colonial Quebec, the search for meaning leading to his personal encounter with Christ, his vocation to the priesthood, being a professor in Latin America and Rome, and his more recent positions as archbishop of Quebec, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Drawing on his experience as both a formator of priests and a professor at the John Paul II Institute for the Family, Ouellet speaks of the significance of married love, the meaning of consecrated life, and the spousal nature of the priesthood. He illuminates these realities with the teachings of the Council. Among other topics, the Cardinal discusses his acquaintance with popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, his experience on the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, and his admiration for the youth today. The interview continues with questions about the Council's four Constitutions and the Council in general, leading to a discussion of a wide range of topics including liturgy, ecumenism, evangelization, the work of the laity, new movements and communities, vocations, celibacy, human dignity, war and justice, ecology, sin, and the Eucharist. Moving with clarity and ease between theological realities and personal impressions, Cardinal Ouellet discusses the state of the Church today with points that are challenging, edifying, and full of hope. Cardinal Marc Ouellet is the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. He was ordained in 1968 and is a priest of the Society of Saint-Suplice. After serving over 20 years as a university and seminary professor, he was appointed Archbishop of Quebec in 2002 and created cardinal by Pope John Paul II. Fr. Geoffroy de la Tousche was ordained in 1998 and is a priest of the Diocese of Rouen, France. In 2002, he completed a doctorate in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University on the subject of bishops as addressed in the Vatican II Constitution Lumen Gentium.

The Second Vatican Council

The Second Vatican Council

Author: Gavin D'Costa

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2014-01-16

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 0567243001

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The Second Vatican Council (1963-65) changed the face of modern Catholicism in bringing it into a positive relationship with modern culture. There were significant changes in Catholic thought and practice regarding major topics. This timely and significant book looks at those major issues: revelation, liturgy, the church, ecumenism, world religions, mission, the role of Mary, and the future of the Church. The reader is introduced to the content of Vatican II documents, debates around their interpretation and the manner of their implementation. The essays are written by the leading figures in the Catholic Church and allow the reader to see the Council's impact upon modern Catholicism and engagement with the modern world.


Book Synopsis The Second Vatican Council by : Gavin D'Costa

Download or read book The Second Vatican Council written by Gavin D'Costa and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 2014-01-16 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Second Vatican Council (1963-65) changed the face of modern Catholicism in bringing it into a positive relationship with modern culture. There were significant changes in Catholic thought and practice regarding major topics. This timely and significant book looks at those major issues: revelation, liturgy, the church, ecumenism, world religions, mission, the role of Mary, and the future of the Church. The reader is introduced to the content of Vatican II documents, debates around their interpretation and the manner of their implementation. The essays are written by the leading figures in the Catholic Church and allow the reader to see the Council's impact upon modern Catholicism and engagement with the modern world.

The Second Vatican Council

The Second Vatican Council

Author: Charles J. Chaput

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2013-08-14

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 1586178393

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Introductory Essay by Pope Benedict XVI This collection includes the four constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, the most popular and key documents for understanding the Council itself, its decrees, and its declarations. Few events in the history of the modern Catholic Church have been as far-reaching as the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). And few have been as controversial. No one denies great changes have come about since the close of the Council. Have the changes been all good, all bad, or a mixture of both? To what extent were the changes, for good or ill, the result of the Council itself? Some have criticized the Council for not going far enough, though they maintain that the "spirit of Vatican II" supports their rejection of many firmly established Catholic beliefs and practices. Others claim the Council went too far and abandoned certain fundamental Catholic tenets in the name of "updating" the Church. The popes of the Council-John XXII and Paul VI-and their successors who also participated in the Council -John Paul I, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI-have insisted that the Council itself was the work of the Holy Spirit. They have aggressively criticized misinterpretations and distortions of it. They insist that the Council be understood in fundamental continuity with the Church's Tradition, even while deepening the Church's self-understanding and calling for authentic reforms and renewal of Catholic life. Readers can learn for themselves what the Second Vatican Council taught using this highly accessible collection of its basic texts. This book uses the Catholic Truth Society translation and features: The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, introduced by Cardinal Francis Arinze.The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, introduced by Cardinal Paul Poupard.The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum, introduced by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap.The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, introduced by Cardinal Angelo Scola. Four major aspects of the Church's life-the Sacred Liturgy, the mystery of the Church herself, the Word of God, and the Church in the world as it is today-are explored. No twenty-first-century Catholic should be without these four foundational texts in this superb translation. The collection also includes a general introduction by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, as well as an address given by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2005, explaining how best to understand the Second Vatican Council in the history of the Church.


Book Synopsis The Second Vatican Council by : Charles J. Chaput

Download or read book The Second Vatican Council written by Charles J. Chaput and published by Ignatius Press. This book was released on 2013-08-14 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introductory Essay by Pope Benedict XVI This collection includes the four constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, the most popular and key documents for understanding the Council itself, its decrees, and its declarations. Few events in the history of the modern Catholic Church have been as far-reaching as the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). And few have been as controversial. No one denies great changes have come about since the close of the Council. Have the changes been all good, all bad, or a mixture of both? To what extent were the changes, for good or ill, the result of the Council itself? Some have criticized the Council for not going far enough, though they maintain that the "spirit of Vatican II" supports their rejection of many firmly established Catholic beliefs and practices. Others claim the Council went too far and abandoned certain fundamental Catholic tenets in the name of "updating" the Church. The popes of the Council-John XXII and Paul VI-and their successors who also participated in the Council -John Paul I, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI-have insisted that the Council itself was the work of the Holy Spirit. They have aggressively criticized misinterpretations and distortions of it. They insist that the Council be understood in fundamental continuity with the Church's Tradition, even while deepening the Church's self-understanding and calling for authentic reforms and renewal of Catholic life. Readers can learn for themselves what the Second Vatican Council taught using this highly accessible collection of its basic texts. This book uses the Catholic Truth Society translation and features: The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, introduced by Cardinal Francis Arinze.The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, introduced by Cardinal Paul Poupard.The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum, introduced by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap.The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, introduced by Cardinal Angelo Scola. Four major aspects of the Church's life-the Sacred Liturgy, the mystery of the Church herself, the Word of God, and the Church in the world as it is today-are explored. No twenty-first-century Catholic should be without these four foundational texts in this superb translation. The collection also includes a general introduction by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, as well as an address given by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2005, explaining how best to understand the Second Vatican Council in the history of the Church.

The Future of Roman Catholic Theology

The Future of Roman Catholic Theology

Author: George A. Lindbeck

Publisher:

Published: 1970

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Future of Roman Catholic Theology by : George A. Lindbeck

Download or read book The Future of Roman Catholic Theology written by George A. Lindbeck and published by . This book was released on 1970 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

What Happened at Vatican II

What Happened at Vatican II

Author: John W. O'Malley

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2010-09-01

Total Pages: 395

ISBN-13: 0674056752

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During four years in session, Vatican Council II held television audiences rapt with its elegant, magnificently choreographed public ceremonies, while its debates generated front-page news on a near-weekly basis. By virtually any assessment, it was the most important religious event of the twentieth century, with repercussions that reached far beyond the Catholic church. Remarkably enough, this is the first book, solidly based on official documentation, to give a brief, readable account of the council from the moment Pope John XXIII announced it on January 25, 1959, until its conclusion on December 8, 1965; and to locate the issues that emerge in this narrative in their contexts, large and small, historical and theological, thereby providing keys for grasping what the council hoped to accomplish. What Happened at Vatican II captures the drama of the council, depicting the colorful characters involved and their clashes with one another. The book also offers a new set of interpretive categories for understanding the council’s dynamics—categories that move beyond the tired “progressive” and “conservative” labels. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the calling of the council, this work reveals in a new way the spirit of Vatican II. A reliable, even-handed introduction to the council, the book is a critical resource for understanding the Catholic church today, including the pontificate of Benedict XVI.


Book Synopsis What Happened at Vatican II by : John W. O'Malley

Download or read book What Happened at Vatican II written by John W. O'Malley and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2010-09-01 with total page 395 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During four years in session, Vatican Council II held television audiences rapt with its elegant, magnificently choreographed public ceremonies, while its debates generated front-page news on a near-weekly basis. By virtually any assessment, it was the most important religious event of the twentieth century, with repercussions that reached far beyond the Catholic church. Remarkably enough, this is the first book, solidly based on official documentation, to give a brief, readable account of the council from the moment Pope John XXIII announced it on January 25, 1959, until its conclusion on December 8, 1965; and to locate the issues that emerge in this narrative in their contexts, large and small, historical and theological, thereby providing keys for grasping what the council hoped to accomplish. What Happened at Vatican II captures the drama of the council, depicting the colorful characters involved and their clashes with one another. The book also offers a new set of interpretive categories for understanding the council’s dynamics—categories that move beyond the tired “progressive” and “conservative” labels. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the calling of the council, this work reveals in a new way the spirit of Vatican II. A reliable, even-handed introduction to the council, the book is a critical resource for understanding the Catholic church today, including the pontificate of Benedict XVI.

Ireland & Vatican II

Ireland & Vatican II

Author: Niall Coll

Publisher: Columba Press (IE)

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 9781782182764

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This book explores the cope, impact, and future implementation of the Second Vatican Council with special reference to Ireland, north and south.


Book Synopsis Ireland & Vatican II by : Niall Coll

Download or read book Ireland & Vatican II written by Niall Coll and published by Columba Press (IE). This book was released on 2015 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the cope, impact, and future implementation of the Second Vatican Council with special reference to Ireland, north and south.

Catholicism Engaging Other Faiths

Catholicism Engaging Other Faiths

Author: Vladimir Latinovic

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-12-08

Total Pages: 331

ISBN-13: 3319985841

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This book assesses how Vatican II opened up the Catholic Church to encounter, dialogue, and engagement with other world religions. Opening with a contribution from the President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, it next explores the impact, relevance, and promise of the Declaration Nostra Aetate before turning to consider how Vatican II in general has influenced interfaith dialogue and the intellectual and comparative study of world religions in the postconciliar decades, as well as the contribution of particular past and present thinkers to the formation of current interreligious and comparative theological methods. Additionally, chapters consider interreligious dialogue vis-à-vis theological anthropology in conciliar documents; openness to the spiritual practices of other faith traditions as a way of encouraging positive interreligious encounter; the role of lay and new ecclesial movements in interreligious dialogue; and the development of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. Finally, it includes a range of perspectives on the fruits and future of Vatican’s II’s opening to particular faiths such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.


Book Synopsis Catholicism Engaging Other Faiths by : Vladimir Latinovic

Download or read book Catholicism Engaging Other Faiths written by Vladimir Latinovic and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-12-08 with total page 331 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book assesses how Vatican II opened up the Catholic Church to encounter, dialogue, and engagement with other world religions. Opening with a contribution from the President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, it next explores the impact, relevance, and promise of the Declaration Nostra Aetate before turning to consider how Vatican II in general has influenced interfaith dialogue and the intellectual and comparative study of world religions in the postconciliar decades, as well as the contribution of particular past and present thinkers to the formation of current interreligious and comparative theological methods. Additionally, chapters consider interreligious dialogue vis-à-vis theological anthropology in conciliar documents; openness to the spiritual practices of other faith traditions as a way of encouraging positive interreligious encounter; the role of lay and new ecclesial movements in interreligious dialogue; and the development of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. Finally, it includes a range of perspectives on the fruits and future of Vatican’s II’s opening to particular faiths such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Vatican II

Vatican II

Author: Norman Tanner

Publisher: Image

Published: 2012-09-04

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 0307952932

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By encouraging engagement with the modern world and a refocusing of traditional teaching, the Second Vatican Council brought new life into the practice of Catholicism. The council's impact on the Church is still playing out today, and with many current church issues finding their roots in differing interpretations of Vatican II it has never lost relevance. Vatican II: The Essential Texts brings together the key documents of the council. As the council is commemorated on its 50th Anniversary, readers will be returning to these source materials to understand the Church's developing positions on its relationship with the secular world and other religions, the role of lay people, human rights and the common good, the liturgy and other still highly relevant issues. In addition to the introductions from Pope Benedict and James Carroll, the documents will also be accompanied by brief historical prefaces from Professor Edward Hahnenberg.


Book Synopsis Vatican II by : Norman Tanner

Download or read book Vatican II written by Norman Tanner and published by Image. This book was released on 2012-09-04 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By encouraging engagement with the modern world and a refocusing of traditional teaching, the Second Vatican Council brought new life into the practice of Catholicism. The council's impact on the Church is still playing out today, and with many current church issues finding their roots in differing interpretations of Vatican II it has never lost relevance. Vatican II: The Essential Texts brings together the key documents of the council. As the council is commemorated on its 50th Anniversary, readers will be returning to these source materials to understand the Church's developing positions on its relationship with the secular world and other religions, the role of lay people, human rights and the common good, the liturgy and other still highly relevant issues. In addition to the introductions from Pope Benedict and James Carroll, the documents will also be accompanied by brief historical prefaces from Professor Edward Hahnenberg.

Vatican II

Vatican II

Author: Matthew L Lamb

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2008-04-30

Total Pages: 488

ISBN-13: 9780199715732

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From 1962 to 1965, in perhaps the most important religious event of the twentieth century, the Second Vatican Council met to plot a course for the future of the Roman Catholic Church. After thousands of speeches, resolutions, and votes, the Council issued sixteen official documents on topics ranging from divine revelation to relations with non-Christians. In many ways, though, the real challenges began after the council was over and Catholics began to argue over the interpretation of the documents. Many analysts perceived the Council's far-reaching changes as breaks with Church tradition, and soon this became the dominant bias in the American and other media, which lacked the theological background to approach the documents on their own terms. In Vatican II: Renewal Within Tradition, an international team of theologians offers a different reading of the documents from Vatican II. The Council was indeed putting forth a vision for the future of the Church, but that vision was grounded in two millennia of tradition. Taken together, these essays demonstrate that Vatican II's documents are a development from an established antecedent in the Roman Catholic Church. Each chapter contextualizes Vatican II teachings within that rich tradition. The resulting book is an indispensable and accessible companion to the Council's developments, one that focuses on theology and transcends the mass-media storyline of "liberal" versus "conservative."


Book Synopsis Vatican II by : Matthew L Lamb

Download or read book Vatican II written by Matthew L Lamb and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2008-04-30 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From 1962 to 1965, in perhaps the most important religious event of the twentieth century, the Second Vatican Council met to plot a course for the future of the Roman Catholic Church. After thousands of speeches, resolutions, and votes, the Council issued sixteen official documents on topics ranging from divine revelation to relations with non-Christians. In many ways, though, the real challenges began after the council was over and Catholics began to argue over the interpretation of the documents. Many analysts perceived the Council's far-reaching changes as breaks with Church tradition, and soon this became the dominant bias in the American and other media, which lacked the theological background to approach the documents on their own terms. In Vatican II: Renewal Within Tradition, an international team of theologians offers a different reading of the documents from Vatican II. The Council was indeed putting forth a vision for the future of the Church, but that vision was grounded in two millennia of tradition. Taken together, these essays demonstrate that Vatican II's documents are a development from an established antecedent in the Roman Catholic Church. Each chapter contextualizes Vatican II teachings within that rich tradition. The resulting book is an indispensable and accessible companion to the Council's developments, one that focuses on theology and transcends the mass-media storyline of "liberal" versus "conservative."

Vatican II Renewal, Path to the Future of the Church

Vatican II Renewal, Path to the Future of the Church

Author: Joseph F. Eagan

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2013-09-18

Total Pages: 526

ISBN-13: 9781484172544

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Vatican II Renewal, Path to the Future of the Church is a prophetic call for change in the Catholic Church today. It presents the 1962-65 Second Vatican Council's revolutionary vision of renewal/reform of the church as the sure path to her restored credibility and promising future for her members today. Readers will find a clear treatment of its seven most important documents and the critical evaluation of their varied implementation in today's church valuable in understanding Vatican II. The book is also a rich source of information on the contemporary Catholic Church. Individual chapters treat Christian ecumenism, moral theology questions, the developing Catholic social thought, the church as people of God and a mystery, current liberation theologies, American women religious “nuns,” contemporary spiritualities. Issues treated are church governance, celibacy and married priests, women deacons, church polarization, sexual morality, dialogue with other Christian churches and world religions, and Vatican II's renewal of liturgy and of the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation and marriage. The author discusses with 'utmost honesty' church problems and challenges as well as her rich tradition and values. Early Christianity Scholar Professor Hamilton Hess, University of San Francisco, writes: “A marvelous book. Joseph Eagan has provided us with a masterly exposition of the problems facing the Catholic Church today and of the ecclesial renewal mandated by the Second Vatican Council. Thoroughly researched and clearly expressed for a variety of readers, this book comes at the ideal time of the beginning of new papal leadership.” Maureen Bennett, teacher and housewife, comments: “Catholics saw in the decrees of Vatican II an exciting vision of the future Church. For many, that promise remains unfulfilled. Fr. Eagan restores our hope for change still to come and illustrates the path to achieving that bright future.” Dr. Harvey Egan, Boston College, states: “Clearly written, concisely and with nuance . . . a great aid for those teaching students or for anyone interested in contemporary Catholicism.” Some readers' comments: “We treasure the book and find it so exciting, courageous and compelling. Francis, bishop of Rome, should keep it at his bedside.” “An enormous contribution to forming a foundation for our faith today.” “Optimism and hope permeate the pages.” “It has given me hope again.” Both young and older Catholics, students and parish discussion groups, and fellow Christians will find this book stimulating and full of hope.


Book Synopsis Vatican II Renewal, Path to the Future of the Church by : Joseph F. Eagan

Download or read book Vatican II Renewal, Path to the Future of the Church written by Joseph F. Eagan and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2013-09-18 with total page 526 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vatican II Renewal, Path to the Future of the Church is a prophetic call for change in the Catholic Church today. It presents the 1962-65 Second Vatican Council's revolutionary vision of renewal/reform of the church as the sure path to her restored credibility and promising future for her members today. Readers will find a clear treatment of its seven most important documents and the critical evaluation of their varied implementation in today's church valuable in understanding Vatican II. The book is also a rich source of information on the contemporary Catholic Church. Individual chapters treat Christian ecumenism, moral theology questions, the developing Catholic social thought, the church as people of God and a mystery, current liberation theologies, American women religious “nuns,” contemporary spiritualities. Issues treated are church governance, celibacy and married priests, women deacons, church polarization, sexual morality, dialogue with other Christian churches and world religions, and Vatican II's renewal of liturgy and of the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation and marriage. The author discusses with 'utmost honesty' church problems and challenges as well as her rich tradition and values. Early Christianity Scholar Professor Hamilton Hess, University of San Francisco, writes: “A marvelous book. Joseph Eagan has provided us with a masterly exposition of the problems facing the Catholic Church today and of the ecclesial renewal mandated by the Second Vatican Council. Thoroughly researched and clearly expressed for a variety of readers, this book comes at the ideal time of the beginning of new papal leadership.” Maureen Bennett, teacher and housewife, comments: “Catholics saw in the decrees of Vatican II an exciting vision of the future Church. For many, that promise remains unfulfilled. Fr. Eagan restores our hope for change still to come and illustrates the path to achieving that bright future.” Dr. Harvey Egan, Boston College, states: “Clearly written, concisely and with nuance . . . a great aid for those teaching students or for anyone interested in contemporary Catholicism.” Some readers' comments: “We treasure the book and find it so exciting, courageous and compelling. Francis, bishop of Rome, should keep it at his bedside.” “An enormous contribution to forming a foundation for our faith today.” “Optimism and hope permeate the pages.” “It has given me hope again.” Both young and older Catholics, students and parish discussion groups, and fellow Christians will find this book stimulating and full of hope.