ERITREA: “Synod Not Ended: It Begins Now,” Archbishop of Asmara Briefs Clergy, Religious, and Seminarians
Christians during Archbishop Menghisteab briefing
Zerayohannes Ghebrehiwet
A conference regarding the Final Document of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was conducted by His Grace Archbishop Menghisteab Tesfamariam (MCCJ) for all the Clergy, Religious and Seminarians, in Asmara at Our Lady Perpetual Help (Kidane Mehret) on 19th of November 2024.
The Archbishop expressed gratitude for all the Religious & faithful for accompanying the Synod with constant prayers and assured that the role of their prayers was great as they ended the conference peacefully and successfully on October 27, 2024, with a Holy Mass. He said “Thank you so much for your prayers and may our Savior Jesus Christ reward you” quoting the message he wrote to all the bishops, priests, religious and the faithful before departing for Rome.
Explaining the whole situation & atmosphere of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops and participants the prelate said in reference to St. Yared The Great Musician, “I went down to Rome and saw the Church, knew it and loved it,” adding that “the participants in the conference were Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, Religious men and women, lay men and women, and youth. They were from all over the world with different languages, culture and Rites. In short, I can say that I experienced One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church for a month, led by the successor of St. Peter, His Holiness Pope Francis.”
Talking about the document, which was approved by a majority vote of the 355 participants on 26 October 2024 and Pope Francis had accepted what the Fathers approved in the Synod saying, “This is a gift to the people of God.” This was an historic step which is different from other times that Pope Francis approved the Final Document immediately and allowed to be disseminated to the people of God.
The prelate further clarified saying, “the Document is divided into seven parts that include an introduction, five sections and a conclusion. The main content of the document is based on the quotes from the Gospel that deal with the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is invitation to the whole Church for conversion and renewal of individuals, families, congregations, Eparchies and parishes.”
“Synodality is a form of spirituality that requires a constant change of heart, change of life and constant restoration, improvement, growth and repentance of individuals and of the whole church,” he said as he emphasized the need fo basic education and training on it at all levels. “Otherwise, it may be documented as in the past and fade away. Therefore, it requires willingness, commitment and spirit of cooperation.”
