With the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), the Roman Catholic
Church for the first time took a positive stance on modernity. Its
impact on the thought, worship, and actions of Catholics worldwide
was enormous. Benefiting from a half century of insights gained
since Vatican II ended, this volume focuses squarely on the ongoing
aftermath and reinterpretation of the Council in the twenty-first
century. In five penetrating essays, contributors examine crucial
issues at the heart of Catholic life and identity, primarily but
not exclusively within North American contexts. On a broader level,
the volume as a whole illuminates the effects of the radical
changes made at Vatican II on the lived religion of everyday
Catholics.
As framed by volume editors Lucas Van Rompay, Sam Miglarese, and
David Morgan, the book's long view of the church's gradual and
often contentious transition into contemporary times profiles a
church and laity who seem committed to many mutual values but feel
that implementation of the changes agreed to in principle at the
Council is far from accomplished. The election in 2013 of the
charismatic Pope Francis has added yet another dimension to the
search for the meaning of Vatican II.
The contributors are Catherine E. Clifford, Hillary Kaell, Leo D.
Lefebure, Jill Peterfeso, and Leslie Woodcock Tentler.