Pope Saint John XXIII
So, he may not be one of the more well-known saints, but he convened Vatican 2 on October 11, 1962. Even as a child and not Catholic this was a newsworthy event that caught the world’s attention.
I have had many people who complain that we are in the problems we are with the Church because of this council. When I ask for specifics, they really cannot give a specific reason, just that we are in trouble. And if they can give a specific reason I usually respond, “And where is that in the Vatican 2 documents?”
We must always seek the truth. Our faith is beautiful and true. I see our people as beautiful and true. But to stay to the truth, now that takes an effort. Here is a short reflection about John XXIII.
Everyone remembers the image of Pope John’s smiling face and two outstretched arms embracing the whole world. How many people were won over by his simplicity of heart, combined with a broad experience of people and things! The breath of newness he brought certainly did not concern doctrine, but rather the way to explain it; his style of speaking and acting was new, as was his friendly approach to ordinary people and to the powerful of the world.
It was in this spirit that he called the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, thereby turning a new page in the Church’s history Christians heard themselves called to proclaim the Gospel with renewed courage and greater attentiveness to the “signs” of the times. The Council was a truly prophetic insight of this elderly Pontiff who, even amid many difficulties, opened a season of hope for Christians and for humanity.
In the last moments of his earthly life, he entrusted his testament to the Church: “What counts the most in life is blessed Jesus Christ, his holy Church, his Gospel, truth and goodness”. – Pope John Paul II
https://catholicsaints.info/pope-saint-john-xxiii/
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen