FOR a number of years I served with the Pastoral Council of the Filipino Chaplaincy.
I was also a participant of the Synod 2003 of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as part of the ethnic delegation.
So, from time to time I was asked by some members of my community, what’s happening in the local Church.
If you follow closely what is going on, as far as the implementation of the Synod 2003 outcomes, you can see and feel the very slow and gradual implementation of those outcomes such as: That parish liturgy becomes more vibrant, meaningful and inclusive; parish pastoral leadership is promoted, supported and resourced at all levels, and more.
I was interviewed by The Catholic Leader in the May 11, 2003 issue after the synod and I said then, “Patience is needed; I think it will take time for people to feel the effects of Synod 2003”.
On December 8, 1965, the Second Vatican Council held its closing ceremonies in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
That assembly of more than 2000 bishops from all over the world had been convoked by Pope John XXIII who died after the first session.
His successor, Pope Paul VI, re-convoked it and it met until it was finished.
During those four years from 1962 to 1965, it was the focus of attention of the whole world.
Vatican II was undoubtedly the greatest religious event of the 20th century, and it was one of the most significant events of all times.
There are three major achievements of Vatican II.
First, is the participation of the lay people in the liturgy. Previous to 1962 the Mass and sacraments were in Latin.
The liturgy is now in the vernacular. People now participate in the liturgy more fully. Some functions previously reserved for priests may now be done by lay persons.
Second, Vatican II gave us a new appreciation of the Bible as the word of God.
We knew that before but what is new is a fuller appreciation of the Holy Scripture. It has become part of our daily life.
Third, Vatican II gave to the Church a new self-understanding.
The Church now recognises itself for what has been, the People of God.
In the Old Testament the People of God were the Israelites. They were the Chosen People, bound by God by the Old Covenant sealed by the blood of bulls at Mt Sinai.
Jesus Christ established a New Covenant sealed with his own blood. His followers and believers are the people of the New Covenant – the new People of God.
Forty-one years have passed since Vatican II ended. Its effects are not yet fully felt, not yet fully implemented.
In the past quarter of a century there have been determined efforts to erase, to counteract what the council did, much of it disguised by lip service to Vatican II.
But if Vatican II was guided by the Holy Spirit (as all councils are including our Synod 2003) then the Holy Spirit will see to it that eventually its effects will permeate the Church.
Leaders of our Church will say this may take time, maybe another 41 years. Maybe 400 years.
God is not in a hurry. Years, centuries, millennia – those are nothing to Him who lives in eternity.
ART PAGADUAN
Calamvale, Qld
