In 1959, the Cardinals of the Catholic Church gathered to elect a successor to Pope Pius XII and to the surprise of the world after a long conclave, they chose a 72 year old outsider, Angelo Roncalli, who chose the name John XXIII.
            
Good Pope John put a very human face on the papacy, reaching out and embracing the world. It was thought by many that John XXIII would be a “stop gap” Pope who would fill the papacy for a few years until a more dynamic successor could be selected. Instead, John XXIII shocked the world by announcing his plans to call an Ecumenical Council ______days after being elected Pope. The purpose of the council would be “aggiornomento” – an opening of the Church to meet the challenges of the modern world.
 
It was Pope John XXIII who, on December 8, 1961, opened the Second Vatican Council. He died in June 3, 1963, and his successor, Pope Paul VI continued the Council which concluded on December 8, 1965.
 
Pope John XXIII was a senior citizen when he accepted the leadership of the Catholic Church and called a Council that will continue to shape the Church well into the next century. In dedicating this room to Pope John XXIII, we hope to honor the many seniors of our parish and inspire them to continue their life of love and service to our Church. We honor their contributions of the past and look forward to their continued presence and active participation in our mission.