VATICAN SYNOD: “Pray for the Church,” Pope Francis’ Request for October as Synod Continues

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

The Holy Father has called upon Christians and all people across the globe to pray for the Church, especially during this month-long synod meeting aimed to discuss contemporary issues to guide the Church better.

In the video clip released just days before the commencement of the Synod, the Pope said, “Let us pray for the Church that she may adopt a listening and dialogue as a style of life at every level, allowing herself to be guided by Holy Spirit towards the world’s peripheries.”

According to Pope Francis praying for the Church is key to help her in missionary work and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the Church.

“Through prayer and discernment, the Holy Spirit helps us carry out the apostolate of the ear that is listening with God’s ears to speak with the word of God. Thus, we draw near to the heart of Christ,” the Head of the Catholic Church said in part of his video clip adding, “Mission is at the Heart of the Church, and even more when the Church is in Synod.”

The Pope reveals that the Synod dynamics carry forward missionary vocation which is her mandate to proclaim the Gospel.

“I would like to recall that nothing ends here. Rather we are continuing an ecclesial journey here. This is a journey we are on, like the disciples of Emmaus listening to the Lord who always comes to meet us.”

The Pope noted that the heart of the mission is “to reach out to everyone, to seek everyone, to welcome everyone, to involve everyone, without excluding anyone.”