Monastery Event

Vatican II exhibit on display in Archabbey Library

Wednesday, January 9- Tuesday, December 31
Location: Saint Meinrad Archabbey Library

The Saint Meinrad Archabbey Library, St. Meinrad, IN, is hosting an exhibit titled "The Second Vatican Council: Looking Back After Fifty Years." More than 2,300 Roman Catholic bishops from all over the world gathered for the Second Vatican Council, and the exhibit focuses particularly on those from Indianapolis, Louisville and Evansville.

The Council was held from 1962 to 1965 and brought together various ideas that had been brewing for more than 100 years. The liturgical movement was promoted by Pope Pius X (†1914) in his call for early and frequent Communion and for the return to Gregorian chant. Modern printing made available the writings of the early and medieval Church. Pope Leo XIII (†1903) called for a commitment to social justice that grew during the early 20th century.

The exhibit contains documents, photographs, artifacts (chalices, liturgical garments, bishops' Vatican passports, etc.), newspaper and magazine articles, and books and journals. Some of the items are from regional bishops who participated in the Council.

The exhibit was created by Fr. Harry Hagan, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and will be on display throughout 2013.

According to Fr. Harry, "Unlike Councils before, which focused on doctrinal or disciplinary issues, this Council focused on the life of the Church, and it defined the Church as 'the People of God' and its mission as 'the universal call of holiness.'"

The exhibit is free and open to the public. For library hours, call (812) 357-6401 or (800) 987-7311, or visit the Archabbey Library's website: www.saintmeinrad.edu/library/hours/

Those wishing to view the exhibit may want to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time.