Pray for the Synod

This weekend, the Holy Father, Pope Francis will gather with delegates from around the world to begin the synod. This three-year process of listening and dialogue will look not only at the needs of the Church, but also how the Church is responding to the modern world. The Conference of Bishops in the United States says that Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium. This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s ‘renewal’ proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission.”

This synod is important because the results will impact the future and life of the Church. We have read and heard about some of the topics that are on the table, and they are sensitive issues. Thus, I ask that we join the whole Church to pray for those gathered in Rome. We trust the Spirit will guide them in their dialogues, for Jesus said, “Where two are three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” There is no doubt that the Risen Lord is with them. Moreover, we ask the Holy Spirit to grant these delegates a discerning heart and an open mind and attention to the promptings of the Spirit to the needs of this rapidly changing world.

Let us remain a people of hope that the synod becomes a channel of transformation for the good of all God’s people.

In conclusion, I offer you the prayer for the synod:

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.

Amen.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.