Editor’s Preface

EDITOR'S PREFACE Caritas Ch1ist urget nos (2 Cor. 5: 14). The whole world has been witness to the charity of Christ in the heart of the late Pope John XXIII. In the few but full years of his pontificate, the charity of Christ urged him, not only to bring to the people of Rome his personal warmth, but to communicate to and share with the modern world the universality of Christ's love for mankind. He chose a most fruitful and universal way to renew in this world the Christian spirit in his heart: The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican. Through this initiative, the vision, zeal, and charity within him were communicated to and shared with the bishops of the world. Continued in the same spirit by Pope Paul VI, the Council, in turn, promises to bring, through the deliberations of the Conciliar Fathers, the charity of Christ to all the faithful and to all men of good will attentive to its counsels. The prospect of editing a work on the theological dimension of this momentous Council was awesome; yet the actual preparation of this volume has been a joy, since it has been a personal experience of the renewal of Christian vision, zeal, and charity inspired by Pope John XXIII and continuing under the benevolence of Pope Paul VI. The response of eminent theologians from all parts of the world to our request for articles was immediate and enthusiastic. As the manuscripts were read it became clear that their understanding of the issues of the Council and their theological skill in presenting their views were as profound as their zeal was spontaneous. Each study stands on the merit of the author's own competence and of the quality of his presentation. Because of this, and because of the technical nature of many of the studies, the editor has viewed his task simply as one of reproducing faithfully the manuscripts offered by the authors. While such a procedure permits a variety of opinion, it has the advantage of presenting, without editorial intrusion, the exact thought of many authors; and while it permits marked differIX X EDITOR'S PREFACE ences in style, it has the advantage of preserving, without editorial interference, the international flavor of the volume. Even in this one appointed task, the editor must personally acknowledge the immense assistance he has received from generous and zealous colleagues and friends. The volume is first and foremost the work of the editorial staff of THE THOMIST upon whose collective knowledge, experience, and skill I have constantly depended. Particularly, I am indebted to the members of the staff who have contributed articles to this volume. Although translators are said to perform a thankless task, my thanks are certainly due to Mr. Francis Turpin, to T. C. O'Brien, 0. P., and especially to F. C. Lehner, 0. P. who carried the burden of translations for this volume. The generous assistance of Edwin M. Rogers, 0. P., Business Manager of The Thomist Press, in many office duties was most valuable. For typing and manuscript preparation I extend my appreciation to Miss Nancy Caldwell and to Helena Maxfield. To Very Reverend E. F. Smith, 0. P., Regent of Studies of the Province of St. Joseph, who encouraged the work at every turn and provided the Introduction to the volume, I offer sincere and lasting gratitude. For the solicitude and support which has made possible, not only this volume, but the continued work of THE THOMIST and The Thomist Press, I acknowledge my filial indebtedness to Very Reverend W. D. Marrin, 0. P., Provincial of the Dominican Fathers, Province of St. Joseph. ANTHONY D. LEE, 0. P. ...