The Diocese of Parramatta’s annual Bishop Vincent Vatican II Lecture invites Church leaders and the wider community to explore the ongoing relevance of Vatican II. Each year, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, and guest speakers reflect on the Council’s vision for dialogue, renewal, and mission.
The latest lecture, in November 2025, focused on the 60th anniversary of Gaudium et Spes – ‘Joy and Hope’ – the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 7 December 1965.
Joining Bishop Vincent were two Augustinian guest speakers: Fr David Austin OSA, Assistant Priest at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park, and former provincial of the Augustinian Order in Australia; and Rachael Kama, Pastoral Plan facilitator and Augustinian lay representative leader in the Asia-Pacific.
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent reminded participants that Gaudium et Spes speaks “not just to Catholics but to the whole world.”
He reflected on the joys, hopes, griefs, and anxieties outlined in the document, noting it defines the Church’s relationship with the world.
“We don’t see ourselves as a castle – a static reality – something that is besieged by the world. We are in a journey with the brothers and sisters, even outside the Church,” he said.
Rachael Kama added, “We are on a journey of becoming a synodal and missionary Church.”
“We may not know what that fully looks like exactly, but we know it requires learning to listen before we speak, to discern before we act, and to walk together rather than alone.”
Bishop Vincent delivering his lecture. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Personal encounters with Pope Leo XIV
A unique element of the lecture was the personal connection all three speakers had with Pope Leo XIV.
“He’s a very humble man – an amazing man in terms of staying in touch with people. You send him an email and you get it back within 24 hours,” Fr David Austin said.
“Except the day he was installed as Pope. I sent him an email. He took two weeks. Probably a bit busy,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.
Rachael shared her experience meeting Pope Leo in 2010 at AYE (Augustinian Youth Encounter) England, she had a life-changing encounter with God through many Augustinian priests, including Fr Bob who listened and helped her discern her future that changed the trajectory of her life in working ministry full-time.
Bishop Vincent first met Pope Leo as a Cardinal and again in Rome, saying, “I conveyed the greetings of our people to him… there was a happy reunion between us.”
These anecdotes highlighted the Pope’s communal, relatable, and personable character, as well as his connection to Australia.
Members of the audience during question time. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Connecting Vatican II to parish life
When asked how Gaudium et Spes, Vatican II, and Pope Leo connect with parish communities, the speakers shared their reflections.
“[Gaudium et Spes] is a whole new paradigm,” Fr David said, noting its relevance both historically and today.
“Humanity is still wounded, fragile, and ambiguous… It’s meant for everybody, not just Catholics, and that sense of identity as the Body of Christ.
“[Pope Leo’s motto], ‘In the One we are one,’ is a statement of ecclesiology. That we are the Body of Christ – I think that’s terribly significant.”
Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Fr Dave added, “One of the things that came out of Vatican II was the need for empowerment of the laity.”
Bishop Vincent reflected on how the love of God is manifested through the love of neighbour, “especially the lowly and powerless, as a fundamental way of encountering the Lord in history.”
“The orientation of the Church isn’t to itself but to the world.”
Members of the audience in discussion. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Rachael noted, “For me, Vatican II calls for accompaniment. I’ve seen the fruits of good accompaniment, but also examples where people disaffiliate from the Church due to bad experiences.”
“Our Pastoral Plan is a tool to help discern, listen, learn, and accompany. It’s just the beginning. The hope is that we become a synodal and missional Church. Whatever that looks like, it’s exciting… I think we have this deep yearning for it.”
This initiative underpins the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Listening Dialogue and Discernment, and objective to be a Church that Walks together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery on Flickr.
