Editor's note: In memory of Monika Hellwig (1929–2005), beloved colleague and friend of the College Theology Society, Horizons is pleased to be able to publish the following talk which she presented as part of the consultation on “Faith Narratives” at the CTS convention in June 2005, only a few months before her death. Part reminiscence, part theological reflection on Vatican II, part diagnosis of the present state of the church, her reflections give witness not only to the love she had for the church but also to her lively and incisive theological intellect. We wish to thank Pierre Hegy (Adelphi University) for bringing the essay to our attention, and Dr. E. Jane Stirniman, Hellwig's literary executor, for giving us permission to publish it.