Vatican
II
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1) Author of Reform: The Cardinal Suenens Story. Alexandria, Virginia: Journey Films, Inc., 1999. 57 min.
“A biography of the cardinal who was the confidante of popes and kings. It is also the story of the Second Vatican Council, the most important religious event of the last 100 years. Suenens’ life spanned the 20th Century. He was a gifted writer, a determined and forward-thinking leader and a candid and courageous spokesman for reform. Archival footage, newsreels, interviews with international experts and original footage of Rome provide a compelling portrait of Suenens and document the crucial role he played in shaping the modern Catholic Church.”
2) Documents of Vatican II Tape 1. Diocese of Reno Genesis, A Ministry Formation Process, 1997.
3) Documents of Vatican II Tape 2. Diocese of Reno Genesis, A Ministry Formation Process, 1997.
4) Documents of Vatican II Tape 3. Diocese of Reno Genesis, A Ministry Formation Process, 1997.
5) The Faithful Revolution Tape 1: Genius of the Heart. Vatican II Productions, 1997. 56:46 min.
“It began in 1962 with one man’s vision to bring about change and reform. But, unexpectedly, it would forever alter the very flow of contemporary human history. Who was this man known as Pope John XXIII? What influenced his decision to call the Second Vatican Council? How would Vatican II affect the evolution of the Church? From the debate on changing the Mass and the sacraments to the volatile relationship between the Church and modern culture, Vatican II brought about sweeping reforms throughout both the Church and the world. Then, to the profound sadness of Catholics and non-Catholics alike, Pope John XXIII died in the summer of 1963, only months after the first session on the council. He left behind a lasting legacy. But what would now become of the council inspired by this genius of the heart?”
6) The Faithful Revolution Tape 2: Inspired Awakening. Vatican II Productions, 1997. 56:46 min.
“A new pope is elected. Paul VI decides to continue Vatican II and to discuss the ideas and reforms set in motion by his predecessor, John XXII. And, for the first time, the Roman Catholic Church began to examine and discuss the changing role of women in both the Church and society. Inviting women to the council was considered by some to be and inspired awakening, but important strides were also being made in Ecumenism. The entire Christian community was permeated with great hope for unity. Meanwhile, despite these discussions of unity, a community of believers, like the one at St. Mary’s in Kansas, rejected the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and positioned themselves on the outer margins of the Church. They believed the actions of Vatican II went too far. Inspired Awakening is the second installment in a series of five one-hour programs which examines the dramatic changes fostered by the Second Vatican Council and its continuing effects on history and the modern world.”
7) The Faithful Revolution Tape 3: Human Dignity. Vatican II Productions, 1997. 56:46 min.
“If it weren’t for Vatican II, some claim, the Church would not have found its calling to work among the poor and oppressed in modern society. But perhaps even more important was the council’s declaration on religious freedom—a discussion which would forever change the relationship between Church and state. The struggle for religious freedom is an ongoing challenge the world over. The success of the Solidarity movement in Poland is an example of the liberating influence of the concept of religious freedom. With freedom comes a new dialogue; in particular, a healing dialogue among Catholics, Jews and other religions. Vatican II has finally helped people realize that the Church has a profound effect on cultures and that those cultures, in turn, have a profound effect on the Church.”
8) The Faithful Revolution Tape 4: A World Transformaed. Vatican II Productions, 1997. 56:46 min.
“The Church was described in new terms, and the role of the laity changed drastically after the Second Vatican Council. Lay people became full and active participants in almost every aspect of the Church. This, in turn, affected the discussion of a wide variety of controversial subjects ranging from the most personal to the most global. At Vatican II, work for peace and justice was recognized as an essential aspect of Christian life. People now viewed acts of civil disobedience as obedience to God in the defense of human rights. The world had been transformed and some believed the very future of the Church depended on its approach to the most crucial problem of our time.”
9) The Faithful Revolution Tape 5: The Dynamics of Hope. Vatican II Productions, 1997. 56:46 min.
“The legacy of Vatican II carries on through the newly elected Pope John Paul II, but not without controversy. Many saw him as a man of the council. Others, however, believed that he slowed down many of the council’s reforms. Nevertheless, this Polish pope was greatly influenced by the council and, because of his fight for religious freedom, helped bring down the Berlin Wall. At the same time, liberation theology was taking hold in Latin America. Some complained it was Marxist theory while others said it created a theology which opposed the hierarchical Church. Also, the issue of collegiality, the relationship between the bishops and the pope, was a hotly discussed topic then and still is today. Many perspectives, both supportive and critical, have been shared regarding the changes brought about by Vatican II. But the lasting impression is that this council still, to this day, continues to nurture the dynamics of hope in the Catholic Church.”