September 26, 2013
Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry, this symposium marks the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 150th anniversary of the founding of Boston College.
The event happens at a crucial moment in the history of the Catholic Church under the papacy of Francis—himself a Jesuit shaped by the legacy of Vatican II. The symposium focuses on the long-term legacy of the Council in the United States and the world, and is comprised of distinguished scholars from around the world who have studied Vatican II from theological, historical, and cultural standpoints. The proceedings will be published in a forthcoming volume.
PANEL 1
FIGURES: JESUITS AND THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
In this presentation, Dennis Doyle speaks on "Otto Semmelroth, S.J., and the Ecclesiology of the 'Church as a Sacrament' at Vatican II;" David Hollenbach, S.J., examines "John Courtney Murray, S.J., at Vatican II--and after;" Jared Wicks, S.J., considers "Augustin Cardinal Bea, S.J.: Biblical and Ecumenical Conscience of Vatican II;" and Susan K. Wood, S.C.L.,surveys "Henri DeLubac, S.J., and the Relationship Church-World in Gaudium et Spes."
PANEL 2
THEMES: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
In the second panel, Peter Hünermann unpacks "Continuity and Discontinuity in an Epoch-Making Transition of Faith;" John O’Malley, S.J., considers “The Spirituality of Vatican II;"Christoph Theobald, S.J., discusses “The Principle of Pastorality at Vatican II: Challenges of a Prospective Interpretation of the Council;” and Leslie Woodcock Tentler explores “Contraception and the Council.”
PANEL 3
ENGAGEMENTS: THE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC ARENA
In panel three, John F. Baldovin, S.J., discusses “Liturgical Reform and the Public Role of the Catholic Church;” Lisa Sowle Cahill explores “The Changes in Moral Theology and Public Catholicism since Vatican II;" Richard R. Gaillardetz speaks on “Humility before the World: Recalling the Council's Theology of Worldly Engagement;” and Bradford E. Hinze unpacks “Vatican II and New Catholic Communities Promoting Grassroots Democracy.”
PANEL 4
COWORKERS IN THE VINEYARD: THE ROLE OF CATHOLIC LAITY IN THE LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND SCHOLARSHIP
Panelists: Simone Campbell, S.S.S., E. J. Dionne, Jr., Thomas H. Groome, Jane McAuliffe, and Timothy P. Shriver.
Moderator: Mark Massa, S.J.
In this conversation, panelists discuss the role that faith has played in their public service work.