Bishop O’Connell asks for prayer for the Synod of Bishops

Pope Francis has announced an “Extraordinary Synod of Bishops” to be held in Rome October 5-19, 2014. A synod is an assembly of bishops from around the world who assist the Holy Father by providing counsel on important questions facing the Church. A “Synod of Bishops” meets at the request of the Holy Father, when he considers it necessary or opportune to consult with the world’s bishops. Synods can be “ordinary,” that is, convened to consider a topic of interest and concern for the whole Church, or “extraordinary,” that is, a meeting called to focus attention on a more urgent matter of concern for the Church. This year’s synod is “extraordinary” and its theme is: “The pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.” I think we all can agree those challenges are many.

In preparation for the upcoming synod, the Holy Father has asked all Catholics throughout the world to pray for the bishops gathered with him in Rome October 5-19 of this year, indeed, for the whole Church. He has designated the weekend of September 27-28 as a special time of prayer for the synod.

As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I ask all the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese to join in prayer for this intention September 28-29 and throughout the days of the synod. You can follow the progress of the synod on our diocesan websites. Here is a prayer written by the Holy Father on the theme of the synod for our use:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer. Amen.