The Synod and the Parokyano (Part 2)

Some say the synod called by Pope John XXIII more popularly known as Vatican Council II (1962-1965) made a very big impact on the church and on the world. Some say that in the 40’s, up to the early 60’s, there were signs that the evangelizations/missionary programs of the church were slowing down or floating aimlessly. The statistics shows that percentagewise, Christian evangelicals (born again, Baptists, Episcopalians etc.) were getting more converts from our church and from other religions. It seemed that church efforts to stop Catholics from joining other Christian group had no effect.

One of the most important policies made by the Vatican II was to allow local dioceses/parishes celebrate Mass in their language. Beginning 1967, for the first time ever parishioners in Africa, Asia, all over the world fully understood the meaning of the Eucharistic celebration. They joyfully participated in the mass because now most understood what the priest was saying and doing. They had a sense of belonging because they could intelligently answer and respond in their own dialect. (Swahili, Esperanto, Nippongo, Mandarin, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Tagalog etc.)

Pope John XXIII was the right person at the right place and at the right time. The choice Heaven to lead the church during the very dark and dangerous period of extremism, communism, materialism, religious distrust, disagreement. His tool to bring cooperation trust and understanding with other religions was the ecumenism. He stressed the need of a deep renewal within the church and the role of the church in the world. By calling the synod he stopped the church’s possible meltdown. He was humble, kind, friendly, cheerful and very likeable. People get food with him around.

In 1987, I visited my sister Patricia Q. Tirona in Los Angeles, California. The first time I went to Mass with her in their parish, I was stunned, surprised and shocked. She and another lady parishioner were the lectors and readers for the whole week as we attended mass. They were also the lay ministers helping the priest in giving communion. I asked her if this is allowed. Her indignant reply: “Pasalamat ko kay Santo Papa Juan. Dahil sa kanya, mas malaki at mas importante ang role ng kababaihan at kabataan sa simbahan. Sa mga California parokya na maraming Latinos and Mexicans, Kastila ang misa.” She made the parishioners feel that the we should support and help the church and not the other way around. Vatican II, Synod 21 and the 20th century REVIVAL of the church will always be associated with Pope John XXIII.