We continue our survey of key magisterial teachings for the modern era by breaking open The Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (“Apostolicam Actuositatem“) of Vatican II. Born in the heart and writing of Pope Pius XI, the Council Fathers issued a formal call to holiness for all lay men and women, and proposed a new authority for the laity in all things related to the temporal sphere.
We consider a little history of the development of the decree, and then discuss its main points. The Decree is inspiring and empowering, and must reading for all lay people in the 21st Century.
We will be reading three of the Vatican II documents this summer. By way of preparation, here is an historical documentary on the Council: