VATICAN: Preparation of the Synod on the Family: Holy See unfolds the program
Two days
before the opening of the ‘Synod on the Family’ in the Holy See Press Office,
Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, gave a presentation
of the phases and methods of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops on “The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the
contemporary world”, which will commence on Sunday 4 October.
before the opening of the ‘Synod on the Family’ in the Holy See Press Office,
Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, gave a presentation
of the phases and methods of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops on “The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the
contemporary world”, which will commence on Sunday 4 October.
“Tomorrow
evening, in St. Peter’s Square, in the presence of the Holy Father, a prayer
vigil will be held in preparation for the Ordinary General Assembly of the
Synod of Bishops, to be attended by the Synod Fathers, the participants in the
Synod and all the faithful of the world, on an initiative of the Italian
Episcopal Conference, which has invited families, movements and ecclesial
associations. At nightfall the beauty of the family will shine through lighted
torches. The trustful invocation of the Holy Spirit by the People of God is the
prelude to the work of the Synod; indeed, we recall the important tone given to
the last Extraordinary General Assembly by the Holy Father, with the powerful
homily he gave during the Vigil.
evening, in St. Peter’s Square, in the presence of the Holy Father, a prayer
vigil will be held in preparation for the Ordinary General Assembly of the
Synod of Bishops, to be attended by the Synod Fathers, the participants in the
Synod and all the faithful of the world, on an initiative of the Italian
Episcopal Conference, which has invited families, movements and ecclesial
associations. At nightfall the beauty of the family will shine through lighted
torches. The trustful invocation of the Holy Spirit by the People of God is the
prelude to the work of the Synod; indeed, we recall the important tone given to
the last Extraordinary General Assembly by the Holy Father, with the powerful
homily he gave during the Vigil.
The Mass on
Sunday morning, presided by the Holy Father, will signal the opening of the
Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on ‘The vocation and mission of the
family in the Church and the contemporary world’, allowing all the faithful of
the world to join the common path of the pastors cum Petro et sub Petro.
Sunday morning, presided by the Holy Father, will signal the opening of the
Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on ‘The vocation and mission of the
family in the Church and the contemporary world’, allowing all the faithful of
the world to join the common path of the pastors cum Petro et sub Petro.
This
Assembly is the culmination of the synodal journey undertaken two years ago,
with the distribution of the first questionnaire to all the particular
Churches, enabling the profile of the family in the world, its riches and its
challenges, to be outlined. The Extraordinary General Assembly then prepared a
Final Report (Relatio Synodi) which raised further questions; the answers have
been incorporated in today’s Instrumentum Laboris. With this text in hand,
composed of the Relatio Synodi and by the contributions of the particular
Churches, the Fathers are preparing to listen to the challenges faced by the
family, to discern its vocation, and to announce its mission.
Assembly is the culmination of the synodal journey undertaken two years ago,
with the distribution of the first questionnaire to all the particular
Churches, enabling the profile of the family in the world, its riches and its
challenges, to be outlined. The Extraordinary General Assembly then prepared a
Final Report (Relatio Synodi) which raised further questions; the answers have
been incorporated in today’s Instrumentum Laboris. With this text in hand,
composed of the Relatio Synodi and by the contributions of the particular
Churches, the Fathers are preparing to listen to the challenges faced by the
family, to discern its vocation, and to announce its mission.
Composition
of the Ordinary General Assembly
of the Ordinary General Assembly
In the
opening session, the President Delegate will greet the Holy Father, who will
open the meeting. This will be followed by reports from the General Secretary
and the General Rapporteur. The General Rapporteur will then present the themes
of the First Part (“Listening to the challenges to the family”; cf.
Instrumentum Laboris Nos. 6-36). After the testimony of a married couple
(auditors), the interventions of the Synod Fathers in the General
Congregations, will begin. Their contribution constitutes a development of the
basic text.
opening session, the President Delegate will greet the Holy Father, who will
open the meeting. This will be followed by reports from the General Secretary
and the General Rapporteur. The General Rapporteur will then present the themes
of the First Part (“Listening to the challenges to the family”; cf.
Instrumentum Laboris Nos. 6-36). After the testimony of a married couple
(auditors), the interventions of the Synod Fathers in the General
Congregations, will begin. Their contribution constitutes a development of the
basic text.
This will be
followed by the sessions of the Circuli minori, in which the Fathers reflect on
the basic text supplemented by the contributions made in the assembly hall, in
order to develop the “ways” in which the text continues to mature. At the end
of the sessions, the rapporteur from each Circulo presents a brief report of
their work and indicates the supplements to be inserted in the base text. The
reports of the Working Groups will be made public.
followed by the sessions of the Circuli minori, in which the Fathers reflect on
the basic text supplemented by the contributions made in the assembly hall, in
order to develop the “ways” in which the text continues to mature. At the end
of the sessions, the rapporteur from each Circulo presents a brief report of
their work and indicates the supplements to be inserted in the base text. The
reports of the Working Groups will be made public.
The same
process is repeated for the Second Part (“The discernment of the vocation of
the family”; cf. Instrumentum Laboris Nos. 37-68) and the Third Party (“The
mission of the family today”; cf. Instrumentum Laboris Nos. 69 -147), during
the following two weeks.
process is repeated for the Second Part (“The discernment of the vocation of
the family”; cf. Instrumentum Laboris Nos. 37-68) and the Third Party (“The
mission of the family today”; cf. Instrumentum Laboris Nos. 69 -147), during
the following two weeks.
The
Commission for the Elaboration of the Final Report, appointed by the Holy
Father, in which all five continents are represented, consists of: Cardinal
Peter Erdo, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest (Hungary), Rapporteur General; the
General Secretary; Archbishop Bruno Forte of Chieti-Vasto (Italy); Cardinal
Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay (India); Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop
of Washington (United States of America); Cardinal John Atcherley Dew,
archbishop of Wellington (New Zealand); Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez,
rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (Argentina); Bishop
Mathieu Madega Lebouakehan of Mouila (Gabon); Bishop Marcello Semeraro of
Albano (Italy); Father Adolfo Nicolas Pachon, superior general of the Society
of Jesus, representing the Union of Superiors General.
Commission for the Elaboration of the Final Report, appointed by the Holy
Father, in which all five continents are represented, consists of: Cardinal
Peter Erdo, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest (Hungary), Rapporteur General; the
General Secretary; Archbishop Bruno Forte of Chieti-Vasto (Italy); Cardinal
Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay (India); Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop
of Washington (United States of America); Cardinal John Atcherley Dew,
archbishop of Wellington (New Zealand); Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez,
rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (Argentina); Bishop
Mathieu Madega Lebouakehan of Mouila (Gabon); Bishop Marcello Semeraro of
Albano (Italy); Father Adolfo Nicolas Pachon, superior general of the Society
of Jesus, representing the Union of Superiors General.
The Commission
has the duty of following each stage of the project; therefore, it meets at the
end of the work on each part and in drafting the final document. At the end of
the three stages of work, the Commission oversees preparation of the draft of
the Final Report, to be presented in plenary session. Bearing in mind that this
project is the composition of three texts that have already been received in
the Circuli minores – whose reports were read in plenary and published –
further interventions must be advanced with regard to the collective work
conducted so far.
has the duty of following each stage of the project; therefore, it meets at the
end of the work on each part and in drafting the final document. At the end of
the three stages of work, the Commission oversees preparation of the draft of
the Final Report, to be presented in plenary session. Bearing in mind that this
project is the composition of three texts that have already been received in
the Circuli minores – whose reports were read in plenary and published –
further interventions must be advanced with regard to the collective work
conducted so far.
Subsequently,
the above Commission oversees the preparation of the final text of the Relatio
finalis, to be presented on the morning of Saturday 24 October in plenary
session and submitted for approval to the Assembly in the afternoon.
the above Commission oversees the preparation of the final text of the Relatio
finalis, to be presented on the morning of Saturday 24 October in plenary
session and submitted for approval to the Assembly in the afternoon.
In
accordance with the nature of the Synod, this document, the result of the
collective work of the Fathers (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 343), will be
consigned to the Holy Father (cf. Ordo Synodi Episcoporum, Art. 23 § 4), who is
responsible for decisions.
accordance with the nature of the Synod, this document, the result of the
collective work of the Fathers (cf. Code of Canon Law, can. 343), will be
consigned to the Holy Father (cf. Ordo Synodi Episcoporum, Art. 23 § 4), who is
responsible for decisions.
4) Given the
large number of those entitled to speak (318 Fathers, the fraternal delegates
and auditors) and the extra space reserved for Circuli minores (13 sessions),
each speaker has the right to speak in the House for three minutes and to
intervene extensively in the Circuli. As in the past, the General Congregations
are granted one hour each, dedicated to free interventions by the Fathers. In
addition, it is always possible to submit other written texts to the General
Secretariat, in addition to the texts in paper and electronic formats presented
in the Assembly Hall.
large number of those entitled to speak (318 Fathers, the fraternal delegates
and auditors) and the extra space reserved for Circuli minores (13 sessions),
each speaker has the right to speak in the House for three minutes and to
intervene extensively in the Circuli. As in the past, the General Congregations
are granted one hour each, dedicated to free interventions by the Fathers. In
addition, it is always possible to submit other written texts to the General
Secretariat, in addition to the texts in paper and electronic formats presented
in the Assembly Hall.
5)
Considering that media communication and information during the last
Extraordinary General Assembly was abundant and comprehensive, the same methods
will also be used in relation to this General Assembly. In this regard, it is
essential to bear in mind the basic criterion mentioned by the Holy Father on a
number of occasions: the Synod must be a safe space so that the Holy Spirit can
act and so that the Fathers have the freedom to express themselves with
parresia.
Considering that media communication and information during the last
Extraordinary General Assembly was abundant and comprehensive, the same methods
will also be used in relation to this General Assembly. In this regard, it is
essential to bear in mind the basic criterion mentioned by the Holy Father on a
number of occasions: the Synod must be a safe space so that the Holy Spirit can
act and so that the Fathers have the freedom to express themselves with
parresia.
During the
three weeks, the briefing will be maintained as the basis for providing
information; it will however be expanded, with a greater presence of the Synod
Fathers, and using all available means of communication. The Fathers are free
to communicate with the media at their own discretion and responsibility. The
various stages in the development of the basic document remain confidential,
since during the synodal process, the texts are subject to continuous
developments right up to the final draft. However, the reports of the Circuli
minori on the three aspects of the work of the Synod will be published. A
special Commission, together with the Holy See Press Office, will as usual be
responsible for providing information on the Synod.
three weeks, the briefing will be maintained as the basis for providing
information; it will however be expanded, with a greater presence of the Synod
Fathers, and using all available means of communication. The Fathers are free
to communicate with the media at their own discretion and responsibility. The
various stages in the development of the basic document remain confidential,
since during the synodal process, the texts are subject to continuous
developments right up to the final draft. However, the reports of the Circuli
minori on the three aspects of the work of the Synod will be published. A
special Commission, together with the Holy See Press Office, will as usual be
responsible for providing information on the Synod.
Further
information
information
On Saturday
17 October from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary
of the Synod of Bishops will take place in the Paul VI Hall. The event is open
to all who wish to participate, as well as those attending the Synod. In the
mind of Blessed Paul VI, who instituted it on 15 September 1965, the Synod was
intended to perpetuate the spirit of Vatican Council II in the Church, so that
even after its conclusion, it would continue to receive that ‘great abundance
of benefits that we have been so happy to see flow to the Christian people
during the time of the Council as a result of Our close collaboration with the
bishops’.
17 October from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary
of the Synod of Bishops will take place in the Paul VI Hall. The event is open
to all who wish to participate, as well as those attending the Synod. In the
mind of Blessed Paul VI, who instituted it on 15 September 1965, the Synod was
intended to perpetuate the spirit of Vatican Council II in the Church, so that
even after its conclusion, it would continue to receive that ‘great abundance
of benefits that we have been so happy to see flow to the Christian people
during the time of the Council as a result of Our close collaboration with the
bishops’.
After the
introduction by the General Secretary, the commemorative report will be
entrusted to Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, archbishop of Vienna and president
of the Episcopal Conference of Austria. There will then be communications from
five prelates representing all continents (Cardinal Gerald Vincent Nichols,
archbishop of Westminster and president of the Episcopal Conference of England
and Wales, for Europe; Archbishop Francisco Chimoio of Maputo, for Africa;
Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati Andrello, archbishop of Santiago del Chile and
president of the Episcopal Conference of Chile, for the Americas; His Beatitude
Raphael I Louis Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, and Head of the
Synod of the Chaldean Church, for Asia; and Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi,
bishop of Tonga and president of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific, for
Oceania). Lastly, the Holy Father will give the concluding address.
introduction by the General Secretary, the commemorative report will be
entrusted to Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, archbishop of Vienna and president
of the Episcopal Conference of Austria. There will then be communications from
five prelates representing all continents (Cardinal Gerald Vincent Nichols,
archbishop of Westminster and president of the Episcopal Conference of England
and Wales, for Europe; Archbishop Francisco Chimoio of Maputo, for Africa;
Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati Andrello, archbishop of Santiago del Chile and
president of the Episcopal Conference of Chile, for the Americas; His Beatitude
Raphael I Louis Sako, Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, and Head of the
Synod of the Chaldean Church, for Asia; and Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi,
bishop of Tonga and president of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific, for
Oceania). Lastly, the Holy Father will give the concluding address.
On Sunday 18
October at 10:30 am in the Vatican Basilica, there will be a Mass for the
canonisation of, among others, the Blessed spouses Louis Martin and
Marie-Azelie Guérin, parents of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
October at 10:30 am in the Vatican Basilica, there will be a Mass for the
canonisation of, among others, the Blessed spouses Louis Martin and
Marie-Azelie Guérin, parents of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
In the
Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, the People of God are invited to accompany
with prayer the work of the Synod, invoking the protection of the Salus Populi
Romani and the Blessed Martin couple, whose relics are exhibited there. Every
day the Holy Rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. and Mass will be celebrated at 6.
In the first week we will pray for children, in the second for parents, and for
grandparents in the third.
Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, the People of God are invited to accompany
with prayer the work of the Synod, invoking the protection of the Salus Populi
Romani and the Blessed Martin couple, whose relics are exhibited there. Every
day the Holy Rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. and Mass will be celebrated at 6.
In the first week we will pray for children, in the second for parents, and for
grandparents in the third.
Near the
Synod Hall there will be, as usual, a chapel for prayer for the participants in
the Synod, where the relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, her parents and
the Beltrame Quattrocchi spouses will be displayed”.
Synod Hall there will be, as usual, a chapel for prayer for the participants in
the Synod, where the relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, her parents and
the Beltrame Quattrocchi spouses will be displayed”.
SOURCE: Vatican City, 2 October
2015 (VIS) –
2015 (VIS) –
