Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Gaudium et Spes

7 December 2015 marked the 50^th anniversary of the promulgation by Pope Paul VI of the Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World.  This document is widely known as Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope), from the Latin text of its opening words:

The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.  Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts.

 Gaudium et Spes gave voice to a positive engagement of the Church with the world.

Such an anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the message of this document of the Council, and to explore its implication for the followers of Christ today. This event, on the morning of 7 December at Catholic Social Services Victoria, was an interactive symposium for the 23 participants who attended from a range of organisations and interest groups. Through a range of presentations and discussions everyone celebrated and explored the teachings of Gaudium et Spes, which richly informs our Gospel-inspired work of service and work for justice.

 Special thanks to the following presenters who stimulated and challenged us with their insights and appreciation of this document. 

 Fr Max Vodola:  the Council and its teachings

 Denis Fitzgerald:  An outline of key issues

 Bernadette Steele:  a call to justice and service

 David Schutz:  continuity and change

 Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR:  Pope Francis and Gaudium et Spes