Above: Pope Francis leads a meeting with representatives of bishops' conferences from around the world at the Vatican Oct. 9, 2021. The meeting came as the Vatican launches the process that will lead up to the assembly of the world Synod of Bishops in 2023. Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops,(CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Holy Father Pope Francis recently announced a two-year process of preparation for the 2023 XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, under the guiding title, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”
This synodal process will involve a broad consultation and dialogue among the faithful throughout the world over three phases:
- In each local diocese discussions and reflections will be compiled into a summary document by April 2022.
- Next, within nations or regions, the discussions within dioceses in that nation or region may be further compiled into a working document.
- Working documents submitted to Rome will be used during discussions in the universal phase of the process, at the synod itself in 2023.
The Diocese of Raleigh will begins its synod journey this Sunday with prayer: For the Church, gathered in synod, that by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, this journey may be marked by humble listening, courageous speech and lively hope. We pray to the Lord…
More details will be following. As we begin to structure further how the synodal process in our diocese will occur over the next several months, please also continue to pray the synod prayer below in support of these local and global efforts.
Prayer for the 2023 Synod Process: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus
Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at councils, synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (560 - 636). As we are called to embrace this synodal path of the Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your Name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of Truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.
R: Amen.