Synod of Bishops: Pope Francis Emphasizes Importance of Synodal Church in Mission
At the opening of the first General Congregation of the second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, Pope Francis stressed the importance of identifying “at the appropriate times” the various forms of “collegial” and “synodal” exercise of the episcopal ministry.
On Wednesday, October 2, during the inauguration of the work of the second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the Holy Father stressed that this Assembly, guided by the Holy Spirit, must contribute to forming a synodal Church in mission. This Church must go out of itself and inhabit the geographical and existential peripheries, establishing ties with everyone in Christ, our Brother and Lord.
After the greeting of the President Delegate, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, the Pope quoted a text from Saint Macarius of Alexandria to summarize the action of the Holy Spirit since Baptism, which grants us equal dignity. Francis said that the experiences described allow us to recognize what has happened in these three years and what can still happen.
Francis reflected on the importance of the Holy Spirit as a sure guide, urging us to learn to distinguish his voice, since he speaks in everyone and in all things. He asked if the synodal process has allowed us to experience this guidance.
The Pope emphasized that the Holy Spirit always accompanies us, being a consolation in sadness and in tears, especially in the face of injustice and the difficulty of forgiving. Despair, he said, is the worst and strongest of the virtues, in contrast to hope, which is humble but strong.
The Pontiff concluded by announcing the need to identify, at appropriate times, forms of “collegial” and “synodal” exercise of the episcopal ministry, always respecting the deposit of faith and the living Tradition. He recalled that the Holy Spirit is harmony, making possible the perennial fidelity of the Church to the mandate of Jesus Christ and the listening to his word. He invited everyone to be open to the action of the Holy Spirit, our sure guide and consolation.
