What was in the news on Oct. 12, 1962?

The Second Vatican Council opens with a grand procession of the world’s bishops

By Brandon A. Evans

This week, we continue to examine what was going on in the Church and the world 50 years ago as seen through the pages of The Criterion.

Here are some of the items found in the Oct. 12, 1962, issue of The Criterion:

• 150,000 watch opening council procession
  • “VATICAN CITY—An estimated 150,000 people jostled and strained to witness the passing of history as the members of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council marched in procession across St. Peter’s Square and into the basilica to begin the council. This high moment in the Church’s history started at 8:30 a.m. when the long procession of the world’s bishops made their way to the basilica walking in front of His Holiness Pope John XXIII, who was carried on his portable throne. … For a full hour the procession passed: every race and color and tongue, every rite, every degree of dignity, every circumstance of human existence, respected and persecuted, affluent and poor—all one in creed, by baptism, in purpose of salvation. … The Second Vatican Council had now begun. Three years of preparation had come before this day. All the powers of heaven and earth had been summoned to assure a successful outcome of what would follow. What would follow was known only to the mind of God whose Holy Spirit was already at work.” Read this whole story here
• History being made: Far-reaching impact is seen from council
• Clergy, religious, laity: Pay tribute to departing Archbishop
• Germans hope council will give an expanded role to the laity
• Scientific advances are hailed by Pope John
• Electronic tabulators to tally council votes
  • “VATICAN CITY—Electronic machines are reducing the chore of counting the votes of more than 2,500 Fathers at the Second Vatican Council to a 20-minute task. Two tabulating centers have been set up in St. Peter’s Basilica. One checks attendance at the meetings and the other processes votes.” Read this whole story here
• ‘Communication’ called key to happy marriage
• Single woman’s role in Church stressed
• Opened in 1937: Marian College is educational hub

(Read all of these stories from our Oct. 12, 1962, issue by logging on to our special archives.) †