Rev. Dr. Walter Burghardt, S.J. Engages with the Question:What Do You Think Has Been the Most Important Event for the American Catholic Church in the 20th Century?

What do you think has been the most important event for the American Catholic Church in the 20th Century? Rev. Walter Burghardt, S.J. discusses the importance of the Second Vatican Council and its efforts to restore the influence of Catholicism in history, Christendom, and the world. By inserting Catholicism into history, the council recognized objective truth as being resolved in the minds of individuals who are affected by their historical context. By inserting Catholicism into Christendom, the Church becomes able to recognize the grace that exists in Protestant communities and is open to ecumenical conversation. By inserting Catholicism into the world, the council acknowledged the importance to reach out and recognize every community for its worth and need of our help