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1961: First raising of the Morning Star flag, West Papua

The morning star flag was first raised in West Papua 60 years ago on 1 December. The flag was raised by West Papua legislators promised independence, however, Indonesia invaded the area in 1962 and since then the flag has been a sign of resistance and outlawed. The day is usually celebrated with marches, prayer services and flag raising services, however, there is currently an outbreak of violence in West Papua. Peter Arndt speaks to the current situation.

1965: Vatican II Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes (‘Joys and Hopes’)

7 December will mark the anniversary of the release of Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. Promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965, this key document in Vatican II called all to holiness and to integrate their life so that their deeds and words align privately and publicly. It also put human dignity and value at the centre and stood against a split between worship and mission.