'Vatican II – 50 Personal Stories' From Orbis Books -- Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Contact: Mike Virgintino, 914-941-7636 ext. 2219
MARYKNOLL, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2012 /
Christian Newswire/ -- This year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening session of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), an epic period in the history of the Catholic Church that continues today to inspire heated debate. A new book, "Vatican II – 50 Personal Stories," delivers the messages, lessons and interpretation of the sessions from people who attended the Council or were deeply impacted by it.
Published by Orbis Books, the book division of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, the reflections and personal assessments in "Vatican II" explore the meaning of the Council, its historic conclusions and its tumultuous aftermath. The contributors include Catholic and non-Catholic voices, from theologians to journalists, spiritual writers to pastoral leaders, some who were insiders at the Council sessions and others who are heirs to its historic conclusions.
Co-edited by William Madges, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, and Michael J. Daley, author and religion instructor at Xavier High School in Cincinnati, "Vatican II – 50 Personal Stories" includes contributions by:
• Francis Murphy, who, as "Xavier Rynne," penned an inside account about the Council for The New Yorker;
• Francis Cardinal Arinze, former President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue;
• Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister, prolific Catholic writer and author;
• Martin E. Marty, religious historian and professor emeritus of the University of Chicago Divinity School;
• Michael Novak, philosopher, journalist and diplomat.
These and 45 other contributions provide an inspiring resource to help readers understand how Vatican II shaped the state of the Catholic Church today and its agenda for the future.
Founded during 1970, Orbis Books publishes works that enlighten the mind, nourish the spirit and challenge the conscience. Orbis seeks to explore the global dimensions of Christian faith and mission, to invite dialogue with diverse cultures and religious traditions, and to serve the cause of reconciliation and peace. Learn more at www.orbisbooks.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/orbisbooks.
The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers follow Jesus in serving the poor and others in need in 28 countries that include the U.S. All Catholics are called to mission through baptism and confirmation, and Maryknoll's mission education outreach in parishes and schools throughout the country engages U.S. Catholics in mission through vocations, prayer, donations and as volunteers. Maryknoll missioners share God's love and the Gospel in combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and promoting human rights. For more information, visit the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers at maryknollsociety.org and follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/MaryknollNews.
