the signs of the times

Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council because he recognized what the Bible calls “the signs of the times.” He suggested that the Council take note of three major movements to address them: a return to the earliest Christian sources, an appropriate adaptation to contemporary social and spiritual problems and a hope-filled look to the future. In this lecture Bishop De Roo will focus on some current signs, gleaning insights from the experience of the past fifty years.

Bishop Emeritus Remi J. De Roo became the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria during the first session of the Second Vatican Council, held in Rome. He was active there during all four session from 1962 to 1965, speaking to the Assembly on four topics, including one on the role of the Laity.

He chaired the first BC Human Rights Commission from 1974-77. He is also a founding member of the World Conference on Religion and Peace and of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria.

Remi chaired the Social Affairs Commission of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for several years, thereby deepening his own commitment to social justice and peace. He is the recipient of five honorary degrees including one from the University of Victoria. He has authored several books and written numerous articles on current topics.

Since his mandatory retirement at age 75, he continues to give lectures, animate workshops and facilitate retreats in Canada and abroad.