Glen Argan Book Launch at Star of the North: ‘Jesus Christ: The Heart of Vatican II’

Glen Argan is holding the book launch for Jesus Christ, the Heart of Vatican II at the Star of the North!

More than 60 years after the Second Vatican Council concluded in 1965, its teachings remain essential to Catholic renewal, says Glen Argan, author of Jesus Christ: The Heart of Vatican II.

At the heart of that renewal is not simply liturgical reform or changes to Church structures, but a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms how Catholics live their faith and serve others, says Argan, longtime editor of the Western Catholic Reporter, the newspaper of the Edmonton Archdiocese.

The book grew out of a series of articles on Vatican II that Argan wrote for the WCR. Archbishop Joseph MacNeil, then retired, encouraged him to compile them into a book. The project soon expanded into a deeper exploration of the council’s teachings.

“I thought I could go much deeper into the council’s teachings that I had in the series of articles, so I attempted to do that with Jesus Christ: The Heart of Vatican II,” Argan said.

Argan encourages parishes to put that vision into practice through outreach to people experiencing poverty, reconciliation with Indigenous communities affected by residential schools, contemplative prayer, Scripture study and greater lay participation in parish renewal.

Ultimately, he hopes Catholics will move beyond longstanding disputes about liturgical changes and rediscover the council’s deeper purpose.

His advice to readers is straightforward: “First, study and pray frequently with the Gospels, Pauline letters and the Psalms. Second, pray for guidance in applying the Gospel in the events of your daily life.”

For Catholics today, Vatican II remains a continuing mission: to encounter Christ and recognize him in others.

Jesus Christ: The Heart of Vatican II is online through Indigo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Friesen Press Bookstore. It is also available at the Newman Theological College bookstore and St. John of God Books & Church Supplies.

For more information, visit Glen Argan’s website glenargan.com.