Pope Francis calls for a worldwide Synod on SYNODALITY and Primacy of the Petrine Office
On Sunday, October 10th, Pope Francis opened this synod with a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and asks that all bishops do the same on or around October 17th. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo- our archbishop, will celebrate our opening Mass on Wednesday, October 20th at 7pm at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in downtown Houston.
What is a synod and why do this? Pope Saint Paul VI began the use of a synod to consult with the entire Church and continue the collaboration begun in the Second Vatican Council. A synod is a tool to gather the Church, locally or universally, such that an encounter occurs between its members and information is gathered regarding the designated topic. For example, we can review the results of the 2015 Synod on the Family.
https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20151026_relazione-finale-xiv-assemblea_en.html
The objective of a synod is a dialogue with all Catholics – laity, religious and clergy- young and old, traditional and single-parent families, practicing and non-practicing Catholics – the net for encounter and dialogue is cast as widely as possible.
Reporting the results of conversation will bring dialogue among bishops by their conferences- country and then by continent. The latter will necessitate further conversation between bishops and countries that share a continent and empower us to live communion with one another – getting to know our neighbors and their perspective on our Catholic faith. Lastly, the bishops will gather with Pope Francis to share these conversations and results to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit in 2023.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/synod-of-bishops-will-begin-in-the-local-churches.html
This synod affords the Church the opportunity to walk together, learn together and advance together along the path of holiness. It offers a real possibility for greater unity among Christians – especially a potential path forward in dialogue towards unity with our Orthodox brothers and sisters by addressing both Petrine primacy and consultation. For a thorough review, read and discuss with others the following document.
http://secretariat.synod.va/content/synod/en/news/synodality-in-the-life-and-mission-of-the-church–by-the-interna.html
Author: Fr. Philip Wilhite, Pastor
Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School
