Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Synod Concludes

A final list of the propositions of the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God was released Oct. 25 at the Vatican.

Dialogue with Islam, religious freedom, Patriarch Bartholomew I’s intervention and the important role of women in proclaiming the Word of God were just some of the themes included in the list.

The text of 55 final propositions was presented to the press by Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec City, the synod’s General Relator.

It will now be up to Pope Benedict XVI to write a post-synodal exhortation based on the propositions.

Cardinal Ouellet appeared visibly moved as he ended the press conference with the following summary:

“This synod has allowed us to step into a new season of our mission, because the Church has once again became aware of its foundation which is the Word of God. Its raison d’etre is the Word of God and its mission is communicating the Word of God. By responding to the Word of God we also have to urge the world to take action.

“The turning point of this synod has once again been that of rediscovering the Bible as a book for everyone and of everyone, not just for specialists. It is a book of prayer first and foremost, meditation, intimate renewal, hence the mission of communication.

“We, I believe, have had the same experience as the disciples had at Emmaus — burning hearts. Something was bestowed upon us and I believe that, starting tomorrow, after the final Eucharistic celebration, the spirit of Pentecost will be with everyone. The Word will be communication, sharing, and proclamation to the world through all different kinds of possible dialogues by everyone whose heart was touched by the Word and who now is only anxious and eager to communicate this Word.”
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(Source: NCR)