The IL describes the Synod as a liturgical assembly in part to minimize the sense that it’s “a parliamentary structure with its dynamics of majority building” (#48). ...read more

The XVI General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of the Bishops is happening at the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. Among the over 400 participants at the Synod are participants from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. ...read more

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and the square was filled with potted plants and trees as part of September’s Season of Creation observances. ...read more

The Gospel we have just heard is preceded by the account of a difficult moment in Jesus’ mission, which we might call one of “pastoral desolation.” ...read more

We join the Holy Father in praying for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world. ...read more

“Together.” Like the early Christian community on the Day of Pentecost. Like one flock, loved and gathered by one Shepherd, Jesus. ...read more

To my mind, the most striking image from the Instrumentum Laboris happens to be the most traditional. ...read more

Saint John Paul II would often say that “the Church must breathe with her two lungs!” (Ut Unum Sint #54) ...read more

“Let Justice and Peace Flow” is the theme of this year’s ecumenical Season of Creation, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24). ...read more

Many synod observers may be tempted to think of "Communion, Participation, Mission" as three discrete and potentially disconnected "pillars" of synodality. The IL directly confronts that perception (#43), ...read more