There have occurred in the Catholic Church since Vatican Council II the most sweeping and revolutionary changes in her near 2 000 year history One might even say the Church has adopted a totally new and different direction so much so for example that the eminent Catholic writer publisher Frank J Sheed could write a book after Vatican II 1968 entitled Is It the Same Church Whence arose this new direction this different approach these sweeping and revolutionary changes Historically their origins are traceable to Vatican Council II 1962 1965 In The Rhine Flows Into the Tiber author historian journalist and eye witness to the events Fr Ralph M Wiltgen presents to the modern reader a history of that council that is at once factual authoritative fair objective impartial thorough and completely interesting As amazing and at times even incredible as are some of the facts that he brings to light his most important contribution for us today is the fact that he