Harcourt introduced the Brothers to the teachers, the students and the general congregation.

The boys sat in the gallery above the choirs facing the organ loft and at right angles to the general congregation.

The first general congregation, or working session, was on Saturday, 13 October.

Pope John was present at the general congregation on 7 December.

It was 15 September 1964, and the 80th general congregation.

It was 13 October 1964 and the 100th general congregation.

It was 5 November 1964, and the 115th general congregation.

Two days earlier, at the 168th and last general congregation, 2,392 Council fathers had been present.

The first of several "general congregations" was held on the morning of 4 March to organize the event.

The 7th general congregation was held on 8 March, with 153 cardinals and all 115 electors present.