Our global society is facing critical questions such as how to respond to the challenges of pluralism and intolerance. What is the role of religion in a predominately secular culture? How should organized religion balance the tension between freedom of conscience and adherence to doctrinal commitments? Can religion contribute to the struggle for human rights?

These and other questions were raised at the Second Vatican Council, convened 50 years ago in 1962 by the enormously influential Pope John XXIII. Among the great legacies of Vatican II are increased tolerance of other religious traditions, a celebration of people’s growing awareness of human dignity, and a renewed perspective on sacred music and art.

The Rothko Chapel, John and Dominique de Menil’s gift to Houston, now recognized as an international spiritual landmark, would not exist without the achievement of Vatican II.

The Rothko Chapel will explore the legacy of this tremendous gathering with an extended series of lectures, concerts and conversations that focus on the common vision of Vatican II, the de Menils, and the Rothko Chapel. Programs include:

Upcoming Programs

A Revolutionary Event 50 Years Later

Peter Steinfels, Co-Director,
Fordham Center on Religion and Culture
Thursday, February 28, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Jewish-Catholic Reconciliation: Where Have We Been, Where Are We Going?

Rabbi David Rosen, International Director of Interreligious Affairs, American Jewish Committee

Followed by a response titled A Milestone Moment: Vatican II 50 Years Later from Fr. James Barlow Anderson, S.T.D.

Monday, March 4, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Musical Traditions of Judaism and Christianity Explored through the Psalms

Co-presented with University of St. Thomas
Thursday, March 7, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

The Transformed Experience of Sisters since Vatican II

Sister Pat Farrell, Past President, Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Thursday, March 14, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Vatican II and Visual Sacred Art

Dr. Marcia Brennan, Dr. Amy Hollywood, and Dr. David Morgan, Moderated by Dr. Robert Orsi
Friday, May 10, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

Mass for Pentecost Sunday

Dickie Landry
Date Pending
Suggested donation $10

Past Programs

The Untold Story: Global Peacemaking and
Interreligious Cooperation

Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General,
Religions for Peace
Monday, October 15, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

The Challenge of Faith in Contemporary America

Margaret Steinfels, Co-Director,
Fordham Center on Religion and Culture
Tuesday, October 16, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

International Inspiration, Local Expression: Vatican II, the de Menils and the Rothko Chapel

Alberto Melloni, Director, Pope John XXIII Foundation for Religious Studies
Wednesday, October 17, 7pm
Suggested donation $10
To RSVP, please click HERE.

The Rothko Chapel would like to thank the following Vatican II@50 underwriters:

Ginger and Jack Blanton
Kathryn and Hank Coleman
Dominican Sisters of Houston
Terzah and James Doyle
Rachel and Jim Dunlap
Andréa and Chris Ehlers
Catherine Clubb Foley
Lily and Charles Foster
Layne and Jonathan Frels
Alyson and Elliot Gershenson
Marc E. Grossberg
Hildebrand Fund
Patricia Hunt Holmes and       Donald L. Kyle
Dr. Robert Ivany
Trini Mendenhall-Sosa
Elaine and Ray Messer
Ginni and Richard Mithoff
Mr. and Mrs. Robert D.         Murphy, Jr.
Glen Rosenbaum
Terence O'Rourke
Dr. and Mrs. Manuel Ramirez
Macey and Harry Reasoner
Lori Cohen and Christopher   Rothko
Frank Rynd
Shelley and Robert M. Schick
Margaret and Joel Shannon
Barbara and Louis Sklar
Jane and Charles Szalkowski
Mr. and Mrs. Barron Wallace
Linda and Bill Weiland
Mr. John L. Zipprich II

To become an underwriter, please click HERE.  Levels and benefits are as follows:

$250 Servant Underwriter

Includes two VIP seats at all Vatican II@50 public programs and name recognition in print programs and the annual Member Newsletter.

$500 Steward Underwriter

Includes an invitation for two to a cocktail reception hosted by Kathryn and Hank Coleman and benefits listed above.

$1000 Deacon Underwriter

Includes an invitation for two to an intimate lunch with a guest speaker and the benefits listed above.