There is a concern about the danger of false or unrealistic expectations regarding what the synodal process is meant to be and to "produce." Western, North American culture automatically thinks in terms both of measurable results and of winners and losers, and the Church’s voice can be drowned out by that competitive impulse. Nevertheless, the bishops felt that they must show a different way, one that promotes our common baptism, our communion in the Lord, and our will to work together to address the challenges we face, which is led by the Spirit and is faithful to the Lord Jesus. "Bishops must simply do the best we can in the synodal process and be authentic and honest. We must be transparent. Bishops need to reveal themselves more. We need to recognize the need for conversion all the way around (bishops, priests, laity)." (#52)Synods and councils, historically, have existed to provide forums that enable Church leaders to face disagreements directly, and find a way forward. The North American Ecclesial Assembly, and most clearly the North American bishops, have in this Document expressed a commitment to developing the "habit" of spiritual conversation that can move past polarization and into deeper faithfulness to the call and ministry of Jesus Christ and His mission to the world. Stay tuned for Part Two next week, where I’ll go into more detail about why these themes are important for the global Synod on Synodality.
A novena (which comes from the Latin word novem, which means nine) refers to nine days of public or private prayer.
Amidst the uncertainties of the world, having kids is an act of hope in the future. It is a sign that life is still worth living and that the future bears promise despite the challenges it will bring.
The Holy Father invites us to pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
During the Jubilee of Bishops, Pope Leo XIV gave a meditation at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica. He said that "a Bishop is a witness to hope by his example of a life firmly grounded in God and completely devoted to the service of the Church. This will be the case only insofar as he is conformed to Christ in his personal life and in his apostolic ministry. The Spirit of the Lord will then shape his way of thinking."
In this month of June, the Holy Father invites us to pray that the world might grow in compassion, that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.