June 3, 1963 marks the death of one of my favorite heroes: Blessed Pope John XXIII.  Pope John was declared “Blessed” by Pope John Paul II on September 3, 2000.  As pope this very jovial, loving, and humble man convened the Second Vatican Council.  He wanted to renew his beloved church by opening windows and doors to let in fresh air, light, and new life.  His pontificate marked the end of defensive posture in which the Catholic Church was considered under attack by secular and even ‘evil’ forces outside the walls.  Pope John XXIII counseled us to emphasize the positive and minimize the negative, to search for common ground of agreement and work toward understanding and acceptance.  Pope John XXIII felt it was better to reach out in friendship and love toward those outside the Catholic Church rather than alienate them with condemnation and judgment.  He was a very simple, humble, unassuming, and genuinely saintly man.  One can still meet him in his spiritual masterpiece, The Journal of a Soul.  He is also remembered for two great encyclicals on Catholic Social Teaching: Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher) 1961 and Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) 1963.

             The work of the Second Vatican Council is now about 45 years old.  The documents, as important as they are, need to be re-read and studied.  But it is the “spirit” of the movement that is most important.  That spirit is difficult to describe to those not alive at the time of this great event.  Some scholars and theologians say that it takes at least 100 years before an Ecumenical Council comes to complete fruition.  If that is true, then the best is yet to come.  Perhaps I will not live to see it; but I believe that the Holy Spirit of Pentecost who guides not only the Catholic Church but every denomination, world religion, and people of good will everywhere will indeed bring it about in the Spirit’s own good time.  Meanwhile, my job is to stoke the ‘fire’ and hold firm to the driving force of that event as I patiently await the full realization of it.

            June is also the beginning of the Year of the Priest.  We lift up St. John Vianney and St. Francis de Sales as exemplars and patrons.  During this year I hope all of you will remember to pray for your local parish priests and give them some spiritual and moral encouragement.  They all work hard for evangelization and the salvation of all, we salute them.  We especially give thanks for all Knights of Columbus Priest Chaplains and Faithful Friars; their prayers, support, and guidance have been invaluable in our mission of F.A.I.T.H. and Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

            Finally, June is traditionally the month of devotion to the Sacred Heart.  The Sacred Heart of Jesus is on fire with love for all.  During this month we make extra attempts to kindle that love among all our membership and beyond our councils and assemblies to the wider Church and even the whole world.  Thank you for all the wonderful work you do, and may the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to bless and encourage you.

Fr. David E. Cooper
State Chaplain
Archdiocese of Milwaukee