St. John the XXIII began the renewal of the Church with a vision that witnesses would emerge, renewed in the faith of the gospel and shape the Church for decades to come. This spirit of witness has continued to this very day. We, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, have been blessed with individuals who love and witness to Christ and his Church.
St. John the XXIII stated in the opening address to the Second Vatican Council: “Illuminated by the light of this council, the Church — we confidently trust — will become greater in spiritual riches and gaining the strength of new energies therefrom, she will look to the future without fear. In fact, by bringing herself up to date where required, and by the wise organization of mutual cooperation, the Church will make men, families and people really turn their minds to heavenly things.”
The spirit of St. John the XXIII influenced many individuals in the post Vatican II Church, encouraging them to seize their Christianity and proudly witness it to the world.
“The Church grows by attraction, by its witness.”
Since the close of Vatican II, think of the many Christians and the dramatic transformation that has taken place in the life of the Church. Their witness to the Holy Spirit has guided and directed the lives of the faithful in leading lives of holiness, which has affected us all.
In 2014, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee conducted a synod that fashioned a mission statement that I believe captured the spirit of Vatican II: “To proclaim Christ and make disciples through the sacramental life of the Church.” As we continue to develop the spirit of Vatican II and our synod, we challenge ourselves to view our responsibility as a Church to move from maintenance to mission.
As both St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have said, today’s world stands in great need of witnesses — not so much of teachers — but rather witnesses. It is ironic that St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict should make that statement since they are the greatest teachers of the faith in the last century. However, what the popes meant was that it’s not so much about speaking but speaking with whole lives, living consistently, the very consistency of our lives! This consistency means living Christianity as an encounter with Jesus that brings me to others. Witness is what counts. This is reminiscent of St. Francis of Assisi, who stated that we should preach always and occasionally use words. This is also what the late Pope Francis meant when he spoke of spreading the kingdom through gestures of “love freely given.”
One of the great yearly events in the life of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is the Vatican II Awards. The recipients of these awards have been nominated because of their service in various ministries witnessing their love for Christ and his Church. With generous spirits, they have contributed their lives for the betterment of the Church and the common good of their brothers and sisters. They have faced the challenges presented by the modern world, and when others have abandoned their faith, they have responded like Simon Peter who stated: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) These witnesses have held forth the dignity of the human person, lived their faith and supported their ministries. They have used their gifts and talents to bring others to Christ, and for this, we as the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will be forever grateful.
It was almost 61 years ago when the Second Vatican Council ended. Think of it, Pope Leo XIV was 10 years old. As a young student, he would have been fashioned by the vision of Vatican II and formed by those incorporating its theological principles. It is no coincidence that Leo the XIV is addressing the contemporary social issue of artificial intelligence armed with the ecclesial insights of Vatican II, as in a similar manner, his predecessor Leo the XIII addressed the social issue of industrialization with the teachings of the Church.
The energy and the spirit of the council is reflected in the men and women who are and have been honored with Vatican II awards. We all have one common vocation, and that is holiness. These recipients are men and women who have helped us to grow toward lives of holiness as a People of God for his greater glory through the mystery of his Church.
We give thanks to those who keep the spirit of Vatican II alive.
