The Standing Committee of the Irish Bishops’ Conference met this week in Columba Centre of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
The main item for
discussion was the forthcoming universal Synod on Synodality, which
will take place from 4 – 29 October in Rome, on the theme: ‘For a
Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’.
Bishops reflected that, “The Synodal Process is about conversion, and we
pray that all participants will be open in mind and heart to what the
Holy Spirit wants of each individually, and collectively. In light of
Pope Francis’ comment that ‘without prayer there will be no Synod’, we
encourage people of faith to unceasingly pray to God over the coming
weeks at daily and weekend Masses, at home, and in religious
communities, to intercede for Pope Francis and for all members of the
Synodal Assembly.”
Prayer texts have been made available to parishes as well as to the
Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland for the
benefit of its members.
Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick, and Bishop
Alan McGuckian SJ of Raphoe, will represent the Irish Church at this
global assembly.