Synod

Superior General of the Apostolic Carmelite Congregation participates in the Synod, bringing the voice of India's 130,000 women religious. "We are seeking leadership that goes beyond the emphasis on the question of roles, to rediscover that these are services to be performed with humility". "In the face of harassment, silent suffering no longer makes sense".

As the ongoing assembly in Rome nears its conclusion on Sunday, a letter to the faithful of the Churches around the world on the continuation of the synod's journey in the coming year, with a view to the concluding session in October 2024, has been released. In the summary document (to be voted on Saturday) there will be points of agreement reached, but also open questions. "To progress in its discernment, the Church absolutely needs to listen to everyone".

Synod assembly enters final week of gathering in Rome.

In today's General Congregation, participants began reflecting on how each baptised person can proclaim the Gospel. For some, it is not a question “of rights and desires, but of the well-being of the Church.” Two digital missionaries are among the Synod participants. Others are not satisfied by “the Mass schedule online”, they want to be “engaged in dialogue”.

The president of the Focolare Movement, an Arab Christian who hails from Haifa, spoke at this tragic moment for Israel and Palestine. “I asked myself what am I doing here?" she said. “Should I not do something else to promote peace at this time?” But praying and learning to walk together even with different ideas is a sign of peace for the world too. “Jewish friends I know in Israel have called me [. . .] saying that they are worried about those who live in Gaza.” We should not stop at the horror. “We have collective images of these two peoples that do not correspond to the reality.”

Two Asians speak at the Synod, giving voice to basic communities and those who are silent

Divided into 35 small groups in the Paul VI Hall, participants are discussing the first part of the Instrumentum Laboris. The two mainland Chinese bishops concelebrated Mass with Pope Francis. Mathew Tomas, a layman from a vicariate of Arabia, told his story, explaining how young people met construction workers individually for the synod.

On the raised altar before St Peter's basilica the Mass that began the work of the Assembly together with the new cardinals. "Let us beware of the temptation of a rigid Church that arms itself against the world and looks backwards; of being a lukewarm Church, that surrenders to the fashions of the world; of being a tired Church, folded in on itself"

At the approach of the synod, Francis talked online for an hour and a half with 12 university students from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and the Indian diaspora in the Persian Gulf. He urged them to fight for their ideas, but always” extending a hand to others”. For him, “education must be free, a right” for everyone.

On the eve of the Assembly that opens in Rome and where two of its own bishops will also be present, the Catholic Church in Vietnam sent a message to the faithful indicating the theme of enhancing the mission of the laity in 2024. "In Vietnam, due to historical circumstances, combined with difficult living conditions and a misunderstanding of doctrine, some live their faith passively. But the heritage of faith transmitted by the blood of the martyrs is entrusted to each of us".

Bishop Yang Yongqiang of Zhouchun and Yao Shun of Jining are on the list of members released today a couple of weeks before the synod opens. They were picked by the local Church in agreement with the authorities and appointed by Pope Francis.

Pope Francis approved the request by the Philippine Bishops’ Conference to establish this ordained ministry, which was restored by Vatican Council II and is open to married men. It remains, however, marginal in Asia. For theologian Fr Picardal, it is a welcome and much-anticipated change. Now it should be incorporated in all its richness in the Philippine context.