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The Second Vatican Council was arguably the most important religious event in the 20th century. The Council closed on Dec. 8, 1965, and 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of its closure. The Council’s goal was that a vigorous and sober examination of the means used by the Church to proclaim the Gospel would lead to a deeper and more spiritual appreciation of the Church as an institution which transcends time and space. Though the Church is a perfect society in the sense that it has all the means necessary to accomplish the goal of arriving at heaven and living the life of grace on earth, it is in a struggle here, and its members are far from perfect people. Vatican II challenged each member of the Church to seek perfection: “For this is the will of God, our sanctification.” 
The set of postcards marks the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vatican II Council. Artist Orietta Rossi designed cards for Gaudum et Spes, Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, and Sacrosanctam Concilium, the four constitutions issued from the Council. The images depict in a symbolic way the four constitutions promulgated by the Conciliar Commissions. The postcards were issued in values of €0,80, €0,95, €2,30, and €3,00. The cover for the postcards depicts Pope John XXIII who initiated Vatican II and Pope Paul VI who continued the work of the council after the death of Pope John.

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