Lowestoft Parish Marks 60 Years of Nostra Aetate

Parishioners gathered in the Stella Maris Hall, Lowestoft, on 22 November for a thoughtful and informative exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), the landmark 1965 Vatican II declaration that continues to shape the Church’s dialogue with other faiths.

The event aimed both to celebrate the anniversary and to deepen understanding of the document’s enduring significance. Nostra Aetate opened a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, encouraging mutual respect, open dialogue and a shared commitment to peace.

Visitors were invited to reflect on this legacy through articles highlighting anniversary celebrations held in Rome and at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham. A particularly well-received element of the exhibition was a display of religious artefacts representing five world faiths: Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. The collection encouraged parishioners to appreciate the richness of each tradition and to recognise the common threads of faith that unite communities across the globe.

The exhibition’s impact extended beyond the hall itself, as parishioners shared images and reflections on parish social media, helping to spread the message of interfaith understanding more widely.

In a keynote address marking the anniversary, Cardinal George Koovakad reflected on the profound impact of the declaration, noting that “from a seed of hope a great tree has grown”, one whose branches continue to inspire hearts towards peace and reconciliation. He added that “the spirit of the Nostra Aetate Declaration is greatly needed today” — a reminder of the document’s continued relevance in a world still seeking understanding across religious and cultural divides.

The exhibition in Lowestoft stands as a local testament to that ongoing mission, encouraging renewed commitment to dialogue and unity within the Diocese of East Anglia and beyond.

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