The First Vatican Council was adjourned in 1870

Following the solemn definition of papal infallibility

Only a part of its task had been accomplished, but it was destined never to meet again. Pope Pius IX died in 1878, and five popes had come and gone before the Second Council was proclaimed by Pope John XXIII.vatican2

Pope John announced his intention of summoning the Oecumenical (Ecumenical) Council in January, 1959, within three months of his election to the Chair of Peter; he signed the Apostolic Constitution, Humane Salutis, on Christmas Day in 1961. 

Meanwhile, ten commissions had been formed to prepare draft decrees to be debated in the Council. At first, seventy decrees were proposed, but gradually their number was reduced to seventeen. Pope John wished the Council "to increase the fervour and energy of Catholics, to serve the needs of Christian people." 

To achieve this purpose, bishops and priests must grow in holiness; the laity must be given effective instruction in Christian faith and morals; adequate provision must be made for the education of children; Christian social activity must increase; and all Christians must have missionary hearts.

"In Italian, he stated the church should be brought up to date, must adapt itself to meet the challenged conditions of modern times. More than words, Italians appreciate expressive gestures; so also Pope John, when asked to reveal his intentions, simply moved to a window and threw it open, to let in a draught of fresh air. 

Eighteen months before the Council assembled, the Pope himself showed how very fresh and new the air was to be. He established a special Secretariat "for promoting Christian Unity" and authorized this Secretariat to take part in the preparatory work of the Council so that schemes, drafted for debate, would take into account the truly Oecumencial spirit -- that is, the desire to understand the beliefs and practices of other Christian bodies, and the need to work for the union of all in Christ." (© Cristusrex.org)
Sentinel Research Ministries will explore the outcome and meaning of Vatican 11 to assess its impact of the 21st Century Church.