Sunday, August 29 : Vatican Council II

It is clear that support should be given to the good will of the very many leaders who work hard to do away with war, which they abominate (…). Today it certainly demands that they extend their thoughts and their spirit beyond the confines of their own nation, that they put aside national selfishness and ambition to dominate other nations, and that they nourish a profound reverence for the whole of humanity, which is already making its way so laboriously toward greater unity (…). Nevertheless, all should take heed not to entrust themselves only to the efforts of some, while not caring about their own attitudes. For government officials, who must at one and the same time guarantee the good of their own people and promote the universal good, are very greatly dependent on public opinion and feeling. It does no good to work for peace as long as feelings of hostility, contempt and distrust, as well as racial hatred and unbending ideologies, continue to divide men and place them in opposing camps. Consequently there is above all a pressing need for a renewed education of attitudes and for new inspiration in public opinion. Those who are dedicated to the work of education, particularly of the young, or who mold public opinion, should consider it their most weighty task to instruct all in fresh sentiments of peace. Indeed, we all need a change of heart as we regard the entire world and those tasks which we can perform in unison for the betterment of our race.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team