Synod Assembly Newsletter Issue 13
We conclude the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with a grateful heart and, at the same time, with the awareness that we are all now called to be missionary disciples in our local communities, in communion with the universal Church. The Spirit guides and sustains us on this journey.
On Saturday morning, Oct. 26, the Gospel was proclaimed by Bishop Joseph YANG Yongqiang, Bishop of Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China). This was the first time in many years that delegates from China attended the entire Synod Assembly. The synod delegates were very grateful to be able to share these days with their Chinese brethren.
Final Document: https://www.synod.va/en/news/final-document-of-the-xvi-assembly.html
Approval of the final document The final general congregation was held on the afternoon of October 26, during which the final document was approved by votation. The final document consists of an introduction, five parts and a conclusion. Afterwards, the President Delegate, Ibrahim Sedrak, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Catholic Coptics and President of the Assembly of Patriarchs and Bishops of Egypt, greeted the participants. https://www.synod.va/en/the-synodal-process/phase-2-the-discernment-of-the-pastors/the-second-sessionofthe-XVI-assembly1.html Before the singing of the final Te Deum, Pope Francis addressed the participants. https://www.synod.va/en/the-synodal-process/phase-2-the-discernment-of-the-pastors/the-second-sessionofthe-XVI-assembly1.html Solemn Closing MassOn Sunday, October 27, the Solemn Closing Mass of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, presided by Pope Francis, was held in St. Peter’s Basilica. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024/documents/20241027-omelia-conclusione-sinodo.html After recalling the last major events, we would like to go over some of the events that have occurred since our last newsletter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V83na-Oaas&feature=youtu.be New Ordinary CouncilOn the afternoon of October 23, during the 15th General Congregation of the Synod of Bishops, new members of the XVI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod were elected. At the same time, members of the 15th Ordinary Council were thanked for their work. . “He loved us,” new encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.October 24 saw the presentation of “Dilexit nos” (“He loved us”), Francis’ fourth Encyclical , in which he continues the tradition and speaks of the relevance of “the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ,” renewing his authentic devotion: the Heart of Jesus impels us to love and sends us to our brothers and sisters. With a brief introduction and divided into five chapters, the Encyclical brings together “the valuable reflections of previous magisterial texts and a long history going back to the Holy Scriptures, in order to re-propose today, to the whole Church, this cult charged with spiritual beauty.” https://www.libreriaeditricevaticana.va/it/francesco/903-dilexit-nos.html “Resurrection” documentaryThursday morning, Oct. 24, Synod participants had the opportunity to watch the film “Resurrection.” The film chronicles the life and mission of South Korean-born Salesian priest and doctor Tae Seok Lee (John Lee), with a short life spent serving leprosy patients and poor youth in South Korea. Such was his impact on local communities that the Lee Tae Seok Foundation is committed to carrying on his legacy in supporting the people, particularly the sick, and in higher education for Sudanese youth. The film screening was attended by one of Father Lee’s sisters and the South Korean Ambassador to the Holy See. Events scheduled after the Assembly Oct 28-30 at the Gregorian University Conference “From Council to Synod. Reinterpreting a Church Journey 60 Years after Lumen Gentium (1964-2024).” Monday, Oct. 28, at the Alphonsian Academy in Rome, panel discussion “For a Missionary Synodal Church.” On Nov. 4, a formation course on synodality will be held at Sophia University Institute’s Evangelii Gaudium Center. Speakers will include Cardinal Grech, Mons. Piero Coda and Dr. Margaret Karram. |