Before he flew to Rome to take part in the Thirteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod, the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, was photographed holding the front page of the Catholic Herald dated Friday, 5 October 1962, 50 years ago today, which vividly describes the last minute preparations in St Peter’s Basilica for the Vatican Council.

The Second Vatican Council was opened by Blessed Pope John XXIII, on Thursday, 11 October 1962.

Now, 50 years later, on Thursday, 11 October 2012, Archbishop Bernard Longley will be present with the other Synod Fathers at a special Mass to be celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the historic Second Vatican Council.

During the Mass, scheduled to be held in St Peter’s Square, the Holy Father will solemnly proclaim the Year of Faith.

The Synod of Bishops, on the theme “The New Evangelisation for the Transmission of the Christian Faith” opens in Rome on Sunday, 7 October.

Picture on left by Peter Jennings,  shows Archbishop Bernard Longley with a copy of the Catholic Herald, dated Friday, 5 October 1962.