Robert Blair Kaiser, in speaking of the Second
Vatican Council, states that the Council made the Bishops more human, more
real, and more loving.
Then the Bishops turned around and helped us, the
Church, to be more human, more real, and more loving.
Remi De Roo - Chronicles of a Vatican II Bishop
is the story of one such transformation.
Appointed as the new Bishop of Victoria, British
Columbia at the tender age of 38, this young priest from Manitoba fell
headlong from his parish life into the first session of Vatican II. He was
active in all four sessions of the Council and it's effect on him, and the
life of his diocese, is profound. "Chronicles" tells Bishop De Roo's story
from childhood in Swan Lake Manitoba through the days at the Council, of
changes in the vision and life of a diocese, of dedication to social justice
in Canada and our world, to a present day ministry as a "Pilgrim of Vatican
II".
It is a story of personal growth and the
development of the Church as the People of God, accepting responsibility
with their bishop for the work of the Gospel. Personally, "Chronicles"
brought back memories of this time in my life here on Vancouver Island. It
led to a renewed commitment and optimism for the future, for this is a book
full of hope in the midst of human frailty. It leads, not to a "wringing of
hands" for what is not, but to a renewed vision of what could be. It is a
call to action.
Chronicles of a Vatican II Bishop
Remi De Roo
Published by Novalis - Toronto, Ontario
ISBN 978-2-89646-471-5
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