Why was the Second Vatican Council held? What was its purpose? Dr. Schreck discusses the life of Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli who, as Pope John XXIII, called the 21st ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. Dr. Schreck also explores the pope’s opening speech to convoke the Council on October 11, 1962.

Dr. Alan Schreck, professor emeritus of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, introduces himself and his podcast series, The Spirit and the Bride. This title, taken from Revelation 22:17, refers to both the Holy Spirit—a “spring of water welling up to eternal life” (Jn 4:14)—and the Bride of Christ, which is the Church (Eph 5:21-32). Dr. Schreck introduces the podcast’s first series on the Second Vatican Council and how, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, it addressed the nature of the Catholic Church and its mission in the world today.