Baghdad (AsiaNews ) - The situation of the Chaldean dioceses in Iraq and in the countries of the diaspora, together with the challenges of migration and Curia reform. These are some of the many points that will be discussed at the next Synod of the Chaldean Church to be held in Baghdad June 24 to 28, 2014.
The Patriarchate website
has illustrated the key issues that Mar Louis
Raphael Sako I, together with
bishops,
will focus on in the weeks before the
meeting . Addressing
the Iraqi Catholic community, marked by years of suffering and persecution, His
Beatitude has entrusted a prayer to be recited in dioceses, parishes,
monasteries and convents, after the Sunday Masses in preparation for the Synod.
Together
with the situation of the Chaldean Church as a whole , the Patriarch and the
bishops will address the issue of selection of new pastors for the vacant
dioceses; the
beatification of the archbishops, martyrs of the Great War; the adoption of a
private law.
The
Synod will also be an opportunity to deepen the study of the draft amendment of
the Rite of Baptism and Matrimony, with a view to unification in all parishes .
This
is accompanied by the renewal of the liturgy, a
theme dear to Mar Sako since his election as Patriarch, and morning
prayers.
Moreover
, the Synod is called to deal with the problem of the lack of vocations to the
priestly and monastic life that threatens to impoverish an already weakened
Chaldean Church. In fact the Church is still suffering from a wave of migration
that, since 2003 , has halved the Christian population of Iraq. Then
there is the hope to exploit the potential and charisma of the laity by asking
them to contribute to the challenges and aspirations of the Church, entrusting
them positions of responsibility . Finally,
the creation of a League Chaldean along the lines of the Maronite, Assyrian and
Greek Leagues.
In
preparation for the Synod, the Chaldean Patriarchate has composed a prayer to
be recited at the end of Sunday services. Below we publish the text :
Lord
Jesus, pour out on our bishops Your Soul and Your Life so that they will merge
in You. Possess their heart completely to reflect Your Face, love and values
with enthusiasm, joy, dedication and impartiality.
O Lord, accompany them, and enlighten them in their meetings, their discussions and decisions for better service and a more credible witness.
O Lord, we pray for the outcome of the Synod to be the expected fruits for the unity of our Church, and its rooting in its mission and renewal in authenticity, all glory and honor is Yours forever.