The aftermath

Whenever there's a significant moment in our lives, or an experience that represents a turning point, it's often a good idea to take at least a brief pause to unpack the fruit of the experience and to begin to appropriate it.

The same is true of the experience I lived this week, in company with a number of other priests from various places across Canada. In these first few days, as we recover from the miles traveled and the whirlwind pace at which the week has unfolded, I'm reminded that there were a number of references sited, and other resources which we may choose to consult in an effort to deepen the experience that has just been lived.

Further reflection on some of the Documents of Vatican Council may very well be in order. Here are a few suggestions:

• The Constituion on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum concilium), published on December 4, 1963;
• The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), published on November 21, 1964;
• The Dogmatic Constition on Divine Revelation (Dei verbum), published on November 18, 1965;
• The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes), published on December 4, 1965;
• The Decree on the Means of Social Communication (Inter mirifica), published on December 4, 1963;
• The Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis redintegratio), published on November 21, 1964;
• The Decree on Eastern Churches (Orientalium Ecclesiarum), published on November 21, 1964;
• The Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church (Christus Dominus), published on October 28, 1965;
• The Decree on the Training of Priests (Optatam totius), published on October 28, 1965;
• The Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life (Perfectae caritatis), published on October 28, 1965;
• The Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People (Apostolicam actuositatem), published on November 18, 1965;
• The Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presbyterorum ordinis), published on December 7, 1965;
• The Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity (Ad gentes divinitus), published on December 7, 1965;
• The Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum educationis), published on October 28, 1965;
• The Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-christian Religions (Nostra aetate), published on October 28, 1965; and
• The Declation on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis humanae), published on December 7, 1965.