SYNOD ON SYNODALITY: Why Retreat to Commence Second Session of Synod?

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Participants across the globe who have gathered in the Vatican for the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, have commenced the month-long assembly with a two-day spiritual retreat prior to the opening Mass slated for Wednesday, October 2.

One would want to understand why the assembly is to start with a session of meditation to be conducted by Fr. Timothy Radcliffe a member of the Order of Preachers commonly known as the Dominicans together with Mother Ignazia Angelini, a member of the Monastic Order of Saint Benedict (OSB), who will also animate the prayer.

Since synodal assembly is a time of prayer and discernment, the synod organizers thought it necessary for participants to prepare themselves to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, set aside their daily routine chaos, and be before the Lord in preparation for the great responsibility ahead of them. Besides, it is also the moment when delegates as they dispose themselves to listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, seek an answer to the guiding question, “How can we be a synodal Church in Mission?”

During the two-day retreat, Participants will have the opportunity to practice the art of Conversation in the Spirit, which will also animate the work of the synod assembly. The presence of the two spiritual assistants will not be limited to the retreat but will accompany the participants along the course of the assembly offering them time, an ear, and a person ready to listen to them at any time.

In the Newsletter for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, is noted that “Without prayer, there is no synod.” Hence as delegates pray for the success of the assembly, all the people of God are invited to accompany the synod participants with prayers throughout the month.