Dr Gemma Simmonds is a sister of the Congregation of Jesus and lecturer in theology at Heythrop College. She is well-known as an international speaker and radio broadcaster, including on ‘Prayer for the Day’ on BBC Radio 4. She has recently edited ‘A Future Full of Hope? Religious Life into the Third Millennium’, published by the Liturgical Press.
An audience from both near and far attended the study day led by Dr Gemma Simmonds, on ‘the Achievement of Vatican II’, one of several events to mark the 50 years since the opening of the Council in 1962. The study day took place on Saturday, 9 June, 2012 at Brentwood Cathedral Hall.
Gemma gave the historical framework and context of the Council, pointing out that Vatican I was never formally closed and giving an overview of events in the first part of the twentieth century. New developments in theology, liturgy and biblical studies prepared the ground for the Council.
The fundamental importance of Baptism was stressed: it makes us all to be prophets, priests and kings! Inculturation and ressourcement were explored, as well as aggiornamento. Vatican II was rediscovering riches from the earliest centuries. The importance of the local, the role of women, and of the laity in general are crucial features, as is the dialogue with other Christian communities and with other faiths. We need to continue to build on the teachings of Vatican II, this great gift of the Holy Spirit.