December 4 was a significant day for two Councils of the Church. In 1563 the final session of the Council of Trent ended on this day. It had lasted for 18 years and set the agenda for the church for the next 400 years. Coming after the Protestant Reformation it adopted a basically defensive position in relation to the world. Vatican II was called by Pope John XIII to renew the church and reset its relationship with the world. In 1963 on this day Pope Paul VI closed the second session of Vatican II.
Loving God,
many of the changes we have experienced in the church and in the world are reflected in the differences between the documents of Trent and Vatican II.
We ask your blessing on Pope Francis who is inspired by the understanding of church and mission as articulated at Vatican II.
Help us to live as your pilgrim people sent into the world to bring it the good news of salvation.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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