In December 1963, less than a month after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the parishioners of Epiphany Roman Catholic Church in New York City were dealt another emotional blow: their beloved place of worship was destroyed. A fire lit in the confessional led to the destruction of the nearly 100-year old building and tested the resolve, if not the faith, of all who worshiped there.
As the members of Epiphany parish were coping with their personal grief, a more widespread shake-up was looming, one that would have a direct effect on every parish church throughout the Catholic world. Under the direction of Pope John 23rd the second session of the ecumenical council had convened, with the involvement of more than 2000 bishops in Rome. Acknowledging the social, economic and political concerns that faced members of the Catholic faith in the latter half of the 20th century, church leaders throughout the world considered changes to the doctrine, which would ultimately become known as Vatican II.
The events that followed the destruction of Epiphany church are the subject of this compelling film, originally broadcast on CBS-TV in the mid 1960s. As church leaders and devoted parishioners united in their efforts to rebuild the church, bishops around the world continued to participate in subsequent council sessions, addressing important issues. Spanning three years, Epiphany: Of Faith & Form captures a local community struggling to rebuild not only its church but its sense of self against the backdrop of ever evolving social, political and religious changes.
