50th Anniversary of the Opening of Vatican II

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, as well as the opening of the Year of Faith. This is a most beautiful time for all Catholics throughout the world to join in a celebration of their faith, culture, and traditions, whatever they may be.

Here are some practical suggestions I offer to you for how to celebrate the Year of Faith:

1) Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Catechism is rich with scripture and beauty, extolling the virtues of our faith which we received from Christ Himself through the hands of the Apostles. I would recommend especially reading the sections on the Liturgy and the Sacraments, so as to become familiar again with how the Church pray and from Whom this prayer comes from.

2) Read the 16 documents that came out of Vatican II - This can be a great way to see where the council fathers were coming from when they composed these documents. Two suggestions: Firstly, read Sacrosanctum Concilium first, the document on the Sacred Liturgy, and the first document to be written. Secondly, for supplemental reading, I would suggest Fr. John O'Malley's What Happened at Vatican II.

3) Partake of the Sacraments! - If there's one thing Vatican II did, it was lay the groundwork for liturgical renewal. Go experience the fruits of these labors... and have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the High Priest who acts through all the Sacraments and the Liturgical Life of the Church.

With these suggestions, I hope you come to know Christ more in your daily lives in this Year of Faith. Praised be Jesus Christ, both now and forever!