Vatican II: Alive at Fifty
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Abstract
This integrative study paper explores three documents from the Second Vatican Council (Lumen Gentium Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Gaudium et Spes Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World and Dei Verbum Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation) from the perspective of a practicing Roman Catholic woman and professional spiritual care provider. A brief history of the Council is presented followed by a literature review of the documents and personal reflection on the integration of relevant theological themes from these documents in the author’s personal and professional life. The guiding principles of Aggiornamento, Ressourcement and Development are examined for how they influenced the spirit of the council. Some of the theological themes addressed are the church as a mystery and the universality of the church, social justice, the common good, revelation of God, the dignity and uniqueness of each person, the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist and one’s moral conscience. It was concluded that the documents have had a positive and profound effect on the person and professional practice of this spiritual care provider.