Peeling Back the Wallpaper: Rediscovering the Beauty of Vatican II

Growing up in the Church of the 1990s, I came to know faith through what I now describe as the "wallpaper and carpet" Church. It was a Church filled with well-meaning catechists and priests who sincerely desired to bring the faith alive for the people. However, with hindsight, I can see now that their efforts (even then) were often dated, superficial, and disconnected from the timeless beauty of Catholic tradition. The liturgies were heavy on creativity but light on reverence. Catechesis relied on felt banners and guitar songs, often lacking the theological depth and richness our faith contains.
As I matured, I began to suspect there was more - something deeper and more beautiful - hidden behind the floral wallpaper and shag carpeting of the Churches I knew. I discovered it through personal study, prayer, and encounters with others who had walked a similar journey. Beneath the sometimes cheesy veneer of the post-conciliar Church, I found the hardwood floors of the Second Vatican Council.

The Hardwood Floors of Vatican II
The Council was, and remains, a masterpiece of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Its teachings on the liturgy, the role of the laity, and the Church’s mission in the modern world are as profound and inspiring as they are challenging. The Council Fathers envisioned a Church deeply rooted in tradition yet alive to the needs of the contemporary world - a Church that shines as a beacon of truth, goodness, and beauty. So what went wrong? 

The fault lies not with the Council, but with its implementation. In the years that followed (which shaped the Church of my parent’s generation), too many well-meaning individuals misinterpreted or misunderstood the Council's intent. Rather than building upon the rich foundation of Vatican II, many opted for shortcuts - laying down carpets where wood needed to be refinished, pasting up wallpaper instead of showcasing the natural beauty of the walls. This was done in large part to attempt to accommodate the tastes and trends of the time - an evangelical strategy which confused engagement with accommodation. On this point, the prophetic words of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI come to mind; Benedict said, “An adult faith does not follow the waves of fashion and the latest novelties.” 

As a theology teacher, I see this dynamic most clearly in catechesis. The generation tasked with implementing Vatican II often reduced its profound teachings to slogans and soundbites. The treasure chest of the Church’s teachings was boiled down to “God loves you,” stripped of the depth that gives that truth its power. The result? Many young Catholics walked away from the Church, not because they rejected Her teachings, but because they were never truly introduced to them. Like the young St. Augustine, who in his famous Confessions admitted that he rejected the Church based on the objections of others, rather than having formed an intelligent opinion of his own. 

The liturgy, too, suffered. Instead of using Vatican II’s call for "noble simplicity" to renew our worship, many saw it as a green light to strip away beauty and solemnity in favor of a casual, community-centered experience. The focus shifted from the sacred mysteries of Christ’s sacrifice to what felt, at times, like a staged performance.

Resistance to Renewal
Unfortunately, many priests formed in the seminaries of the 70’s and 80’s now look with disdain on younger clergy, catechists, and educators who seek to restore the beauty and reverence of the faith. In particular, these younger priests, inspired by the authentic teachings of Vatican II, are reintroducing traditional practices like wearing cassocks, celebrating Mass in Latin, and incorporating the “smells and bells” of incense and chant into liturgical celebrations. To the older generation, this return to tradition can feel like a rejection of their efforts - a tearing up of the carpet they laid down and the wallpaper they hung with good intentions. They fight to preserve these remnants, often labeling the younger clergy as “rigid” or “out of touch.” In my own experience I have even had a priest tell me that “your Church is dead and it isn’t the 1950’s anymore.” To this rather aggressive accusation, I politely retorted, “Father, it also isn’t 1980.” This resistance only underscores the need for clarity and charity in restoring the faith’s true beauty and a reminder of the timelessness of the Church. The goal is not to undo Vatican II but to fulfill its vision by reclaiming what was lost or obscured. 

A Sign of Hope: Rising Attendance in Traditional Parishes
​Interestingly, many of the parishes where younger priests embrace traditional practices are seeing a notable increase in Mass attendance. A study published by CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate) in February 2025 found that overall Mass attendance at Catholic parishes is up, especially for major feasts, and is trending in a positive direction. Anecdotal evidence also supports this trend: parishes where priests introduce elements of tradition often report increased participation in the sacraments, particularly among young families and Millennials. These faithful are drawn not by nostalgia but by a hunger for the beauty, mystery, and transcendence that Vatican II sought to renew in the Church’s life and liturgy. A link to Traditional Latin Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (where I live) can be found here. 

Today, our task is clear: we need to peel back the wallpaper and pull up the carpets. We need to rediscover the beauty and truth of Vatican II in its authentic form, not the watered-down or misunderstood version that emerged in its wake. For me, this begins in the classroom. As a theology teacher, I strive to give my students more than just platitudes. I introduce them to the rich tapestry of Church teaching, the drama of salvation history, and the beauty of the sacraments. I challenge them to grapple with the deep questions of faith and reason. It also means embracing the liturgy as the "source and summit" of our faith. This doesn’t mean reverting to a pre-conciliar mindset, but rather implementing Vatican II’s call for reverent worship that unites us to the eternal mysteries of God.

Pulling Up the Carpet Together
The Church of the future will only thrive if we reclaim the treasures of our past and live them fully in the present. This is not a rejection of Vatican II - it’s a wholehearted embrace of its true intent. We must restore the hardwood floors, not out of nostalgia, but because they are the foundation on which we stand.
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It’s time to show the world the Church as She truly is: not a dated relic of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, but the living, breathing Bride of Christ, radiant with the beauty of truth and love. Let’s get to work!

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