John XXIII, Vatican II, and Thomas Merton: Church Reform
John XXIII: A Legacy of Renewal
John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881, began his journey to priesthood at a young age. Excelling in his studies despite economic hardship, he entered the seminary of Bergamo at age 11 with his uncle’s support. At 22, he was ordained and celebrated his first Mass at the Vatican, where he was received by Pope Pius X. In 1904, he became secretary to the Bishop of Bergamo, Monsignor Radini-Tedeschi, experiencing crucial moments of his pastoral life. The Bishop’s death in 1914 left him disoriented. In 1915, during World War I, he served as a sergeant in the medical corps. He was appointed bishop in 1925. At 63, in 1945, he became nuncio to Paris. In 1953, at 72, he was appointed Patriarch of Venice. On October 28, 1958, following the death of Pope Pius XII on October 9, he was elected Pope, taking the name John XXIII. He died on the afternoon of June 3, 1963, leaving a legacy as a good man and a devoted pastor.
A Different Council: Vatican II
The Second Vatican Council was unlike previous councils in its universality and magnitude. The council assembly comprised about 2,500 council fathers. Many observers from other Christian religions attended, fostering ecumenism. The connection with society convinced the council fathers that the issues being dealt with were linked to all of humanity. Through the media, the council’s discussions reached all corners of the world, significantly impacting society.
Contributions to the Life of the Church
- Recognition of the Christian spirit in non-Catholic churches.
- Recognition of the role of the laity in the Church’s life.
- Liturgical reform, renewing all celebrations.
- Definition of the Church as “God’s people.”
The Internal Renewal of the Church
- Liturgical Renewal: Initiated by Pius X, it was a significant factor in the Church’s life.
- Involvement of the Laity: The creation of Catholic Action called the laity to take responsibility in the Church’s mission.
- Approach to New Towns and Nations: The Church separated from colonial policies and identified with the culture of new nations.
Thomas Merton: A Life of Faith
Thomas Merton was born in 1915 in the French Pyrenees during World War I. Forced to migrate to the USA, he grew up in a solitary environment with much freedom due to constant travel with his father. After his father’s death at 15, he traveled through Europe. A visit to Rome sparked his desire to know Jesus, marking a step towards conversion. He returned to the USA and graduated from Columbia University. At 23, he was baptized into the Catholic Church. In 1940, a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Cobre, Cuba, led to a deep religious experience. The following year, he entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani. In 1968, he began a long journey to Asia and died in Bangkok.
Internal Reforms After the Council
- Institution of the Synod of Bishops and greater autonomy for Episcopal Conferences.
- Liturgical reform.
- Encouragement of social and political commitment of Christians, laying the groundwork for the new Social Doctrine of the Church.
- Greater participation of all faithful in parish life.
- Promotion of the laity’s participation in the Church’s life.
The Ecumenical Commitment
- Living the Christian faith authentically, renewing the personal following of Jesus.
- Considering non-Catholic Christians as brothers who believe in Jesus.
- Working in world evangelization and the pursuit of justice and peace.
- Praying for God’s help to restore unity.
Interreligious Dialogue
- Better knowledge and understanding, removing all prejudice.
- Sharing one’s own faith and values.
- Bearing witness to the value of religious experience against materialism and consumerism.
- Working together for justice and peace, eliminating religious motivation for differences and clashes.