The Impact of Vatican II: Understanding What the Catholic Church Lost and Found

In the history of the Catholic Church, few events have left as significant an impact as the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), which took place from 1962 to 1965. This event reshaped many aspects of Catholic practice and theology. However, the perceived changes have often led to debates and discussions regarding what the Church lost or abandoned. Among the common concerns is the idea that the Church 'lost' its biblical reliance or traditional liturgical practices. Let's delve into the actual changes and explore what really has and has not been lost since Vatican II.

Changes in Liturgical Practice: Critiques and Realities

Sometimes, the narrative around Vatican II is distorted by modern criticisms, suggesting that major changes in liturgical practices and Bible reading were implemented immediately following the council. While it is true that significant reforms were introduced in the early 1970s, these were not the sole or direct outcomes of Vatican II itself. The council did propose changes but did not implement most of them until later.

Many argue that the Church lost its reliance on the Bible, particularly in the Mass. This critique often draws from the 1970 Roman Missal, which introduced a more vernacular and expansive Bible reading. However, the council's intent was to deepen the use of Scripture, not to diminish it. The council's Decree on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) emphasized the importance of the Bible, stating that it should be more widely used in the Mass. It is important to distinguish between the reforms and the implementation, as the council's intentions were nuanced and progressive.

The Unchangedess of Catholic Doctrine and Practices

The second major critique is often that the Catholic faith itself changed dramatically after Vatican II. This is a misinterpretation of the council's purpose and effects. Vatican II did not make any changes to the core teachings of the Catholic Church. The council was focused on reinvigorating the Church's ministry, ensuring better communication with the modern world, and strengthening the Church's witness. Any changes to creedal matters were minimal, and no new dogma was introduced.

Furthermore, the Latin Mass, a strong symbol of traditional Catholic practice, was not entirely abandoned. Instead, it was recognized as a valid form of the Mass, alongside the vernacular liturgy. Today, communities around the world can choose between the older Roman Missal (pre-Vatican II) and the adapted 1970 Missal, allowing for a range of liturgical expressions within the Church.

Property Loss and the Great Apostasy

The Church has indeed encountered significant challenges since Vatican II. One of the most notable is the loss of property and the mass exodus of Catholics, leading to the post-Vatican II Church being described as 'very tiny' with under a million adherents. This situation, often referred to as the 'Great Apostasy,' has undoubtedly brought about significant changes in the Church's external appearance, but it does not affect the Church's spiritual essence.

Divine Attributes and the Church’s Essence

Central to the Catholic understanding is the belief that the Church cannot change in her essence. Attributes like divine authority to lead, teach, and sanctify, exclusivity, infallibility, indefectibility, immutability, and indissolubility are foundational and remain unchanged. These attributes are understood to be eternal and unchanging, as they are grounded in divine will and nature.

Latin Hymns and Communion of Saints

One aspect of traditional Catholic practice that has been critiqued is the liturgical use of Latin hymns. While it is true that many vernacular hymns and celebrations have become more common, this move is not equivalent to a loss of a spiritual or liturgical aspect. Latin hymns, with their hypnotic quality and long-standing tradition, serve as a reminder of the Church's historical depth and its communion with past generations, including those who would not have been able to understand modern languages.

The invocation of the saints, rooted in traditional practices, remains a significant aspect of Catholic devotion. This practice indicates a belief in the communion of saints and the intercession of the faithful departed. Just as Jesus is understood to be the mediator and salvation, so too are the saints viewed as mediators for those on earth.

In conclusion, while the Church has faced significant changes and challenges, the essence of its divine attributes and spiritual practices remains intact. The reforms of Vatican II were meant to reconnect the Church with the faithful and make its teachings more accessible, but they did not change the core of the Catholic faith. The Church continues to uphold its beliefs and practices, guided by its divine attributes and the historical traditions that define it.