This Sacred Council: Exploring the Documents of the Second Vatican Council, Volume 1: The Opening Speech and Dei Verbum

Pope John XXIII’s opening speech laid the foundation for the Council and addressed the questions such as why the Council had been called, what goals the Council Fathers were to achieve, and the relationship to past councils. The Opening Address provides valuable insight into the “mind of the Church.” Dei Verbum, the Word of God, presents Church teaching concerning the ways God has revealed himself to mankind, the nature of Sacred Scripture and Tradition, and the manner God has provided for interpretation and preservation of his revelation without error for all time.