Vatican Council II

Vatican Council II was the twenty-first ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church. It opened on October 11, 1962 under the pontificate of Pope John XXIII and closed on December 8, 1965 under Pope Paul VI. The Council addressed relations between the Catholic Church and the modern world and resulted in four constitutions (e.g., Gaudium et Spes), nine decrees, and three declarations (e.g., Nostra Aetate).

Vatican II

Nostra Aetate

Nostra Aetate (Latin for 'In Our Time' or 'In Our Age'), Vatican Council II's Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions, is a statement on interreligious dialogue promulgated on October 28, 1965, by Pope Paul VI; thus, the 50th anniversary is celebrated in 2015.

• Nostra Aetate: Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions - the document
• An Adapted (Contemporary Translation) of the Document
• Nostra Aetate: Definition and Background

Resources:

• "Nostra Aetate", Forty Years After Vatican II. Present and Future Perspectives - Rabbi David Rosen, 2005
• Nostra Aetate: 40 Years of Catholic - Jewish Ties - Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, 2005
• Nostra Aetate: 40 Years Later - Khaled Akasheh, 2006
• The Service of Faith in a Religiously Pluralistic World - Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., 2006
• Religious Plurality and Faith - Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., 2006
• The Interfaith Story Behind Nostra Aetate - multiple speakers, 2008
• Institutionalizing of Muslim-Christian Dialogue: Nostra Aetate and Fethullah gulen's Vision - Salih Yücel, 2009
• 'In our time': Francis moves beyond Nostra Aetate - Jordan Denari, 2013

Video on The Lived Experience of Nostra Aetate:

The Interfaith Initiative

Gaudium Et Spes

Gaudium et Spes ("Joy and Hope") a pastoral constitution that speaks about the Catholic Church in contemporary culture especially on issues of poverty, social justice, culture, science and ecumenism.

Videos related to Gaudium Et Spes

• Gaudium Et Spes Today
• Gaudium Et Spes and War

Featured Resources

Lighting the Way: Student Athletes

This excellent book of reflections on Jesuit values was written by student athletes for student athletes. Articles include: Magis, Cura Personalis, Solidarity, Service, and several others. The book concludes with reflection questions to help student athletes reflect on their development of these values.

Ignatian Journal

This handsome, spiral-bound "undated" planner is perfect for faculty, staff, and students alike. Its pages include quotes, illustrations, and reflections. Use it for your daily schedule or journaling.

Understanding Ignatian and Jesuit Spirituality

Ever wonder how to describe Ignatian and Jesuit Spirituality? This brochure written by Br. Darrell Burns, S.J., does just that. Providing a contemporary description of the tradition, it is an ideal resource for new students, faculty and staff. Each brochure is 4 1/2"x11".