Hearing Again the Message of Vatican II

 Kathleen McManus, OP, Ph. D.

On May 14, 2011, Holy Family Parish in Portland hosted an afternoon of education and reflection on the second Vatican Council. The event was organized by the Vatican II study group of One Spirit~One Call, and was designed to help women understand and employ our own rich gifts as members of the church.

The presenter was Kathleen McManus, OP, Ph.D., professor of theology at the University of Portland. Approximately eighty-five people attended the forum, with twenty-two parishes represented. Dr. McManus gave a presentation on the significance of Vatican II and its powerful message. She described the process leading up to the Council, which included 9,000 proposals from all over the world, although none were from communities of religious women. The Vatican Council’s work continued from 1962 through 1965. A panel and lively table group discussions followed Dr. McManus’s talk.

Because increasing awareness and promoting dialogue have been identified as high priorities for One Spirit~One Call, more such educational events are projected for the future.