“Working the Lord’s Field”: Vatican II and the self-identification process of auxiliaires de l’Apostolat

The auxiliaires de l’Apostolat, established in 1917, are women who diverge from traditional practices by combining vows with a life as laypeople, active within society. Despite lacking formal canonical recognition, they served as an example for Lumen Gentium’s universal call for holiness. Consequently, they contributed to the international recognition of new forms of religious life. In return, the Council helped them to articulate and understand their vocation within the broader context of the Church’s mission. This paper draws upon archival material and interviews with auxiliaires who witnessed the Council. It highlights the importance of the study of the local reception of Vatican II and women’s roles beyond the Council floor, and illustrates how oral history can contribute to a better understanding of the Council.