chris@mcdonnell83.freeserve.co.uk           Previous articles by Chris

   September 19, 2012                              Chris McDonnell, UK   

A personal odyssey  

We are beginning to see in print personal reflections of those in their 70s and 80s whose lives have been significantly influenced by the years that followed the conclusion of Vatican II. They tell a story of personal growth, of excitement, of struggle and often of disappointment.  

But for all that, it is the story of a journey, a reflection on the times that we have travelled and a record of where we have been in order to arrive where we are today.  

One such book is 50 Years Receiving Vatican II  by Kevin Kelly, a truly fascinating collection of notes, papers, letters and extracts from books written during these passing years.  

The writer, a retired Catholic priest of the archdiocese of Liverpool here in England has had a varied career. At one time parish priest, a lecturer in moral theology at Heythrop College in London and Director of the Upholland Adult Education Institute, he has observed outcomes from the Council across a wide ranging experience. His writing has a freshness and directness that brings those years back and quickens the memory.

As we approach the anniversary of the opening of the Council, you could do well to get hold of a copy of this book as a companion for the years that followed. Published by The columba press in Ireland, details for purchase can be found at www.columba.ie  

The day before that anniversary, the Call to Action group – already posted on v2catholic – will be holding its open meeting  for priests and laity at Heythrop College in London. I hope to attend that so more later.

Amongst all the noise and words, it is worth remembering the need for stillness before God. I wrote these few words back in ‘95

Be still

be quiet

         know God

–that in solitude

you may share

in his solitude.

By night

and at Dawn,

         feel God

–that in quietude

you may grow

in quietude.

In words unspoken

hold God.