♦ PRESENTATION BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL
♦ SYNODAL WORKING CALENDAR
♦ GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE SYNOD
♦ PRAYERS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE SYNOD
♦ THE SYNOD CHAPEL
♦ NOTICES

♦ PRESENTATION BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL

On Saturday, 1st October 2005 at 11.30 am in the John Paul II Hall in the Press Office of the Holy See, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops H.E.Most Rev Nikola Eterović held a Briefing to give information on the meaning and development of the Synodal Assembly.

Here below is the text of the presentation of the Secretary General.

The XI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the topic The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church begins tomorrow, October 2nd, The Synod of Bishops begins with the Holy Mass, presided over by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and con-celebrated by about 350 Synodal Fathers and other participants in the Synodal Assembly. It is significant that the Synod of Bishops, whose theme is the Eucharist, begins with the celebration of the Holy Mass. With this gesture the Synodal Fathers, elected from within the Episcopate of the Catholic Church and, therefore of the people of God spread throughout the world, give praise to God the Father, who is in heaven, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ, risen and present amidst His people, especially in the sacrament of the Eucharist. It is in this perspective of faith, hope and Eucharistic love that the synodal works will be carried out.
The celebration of the XI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops takes place on the 40th anniversary of its establishment on September 15th 1965, by the Servant of God Pope Paul VI, with motu proprio Apostolica sollicitudo. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that during the next assembly a session will be dedicated to the commemoration of such an important ecclesial event. The Synod of Bishops, one of the promising fruits of Vatican Council II, has demonstrated itself during the last four decades, to be a very worthy instrument for exercising episcopal collegiality and deepening ecclesial communions.
The nature and finality of the Synod of Bishops were clearly indicated in the aforementioned Apostolic Letter Apostolica Sollicitudo Then these characteristics were collected and expressed in legal terms in canons 342-348 of the Code of Canon Law. Perhaps it is not superfluous to recall that, in addition to strengthening the bonds of mutual union between the Bishops among themselves and with the Holy Father, Bishop of Rome, one of the aims of the Synod is to help, with their advice, the Roman Pontiff, in safeguarding and increasing faith and customs in the observance and consolidation of ecclesiastic discipline. In addition, it is the task of the Synod to study the problems concerning the activity of the Church in the world and to follow with special solicitude the missionary activity of the Church.
Since its establishment 40 years ago, the Synod of Bishops has contributed considerably towards promoting synodality in the Catholic Church, connected to issues of fundamental importance for the life of the community of the faithful, which mostly correspond to the topics of the individual synodal assemblies. In this work, the Ordinary, Extraordinary and Special Councils of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops played a special role with numerous meetings for preparation and application, in close union with the Holy Father, Head of the episcopal body and President of the Synod of Bishops. The privileged expression of this synodality, characterized in its collegial dimension, was seen during 20 synodal assemblies, of which 10 were Ordinary ones, 2 Extraordinary, and 8 Special ones. With the next XI Ordinary General Assembly, the synodal assemblies will reach number 21. Considering the period of 40 years of its existence, it means that a Synod of Bishops has taken place in the Catholic Church every 19 months.

Some Data regarding the next Synodal Assembly

256 Synodal Fathers from 118 nations will take part in the next Synod of Bishops. This is the highest number of participants in a synodal assembly. For instance, 247 Synodal Fathers took part in the synod of 2001.
Of these 256 Synodal Fathers, 177 were elected, 39 will participate ‘ex officio’, and 40 are appointed by the Holy Father. Among these, also, there are 55 Cardinals, 8 Patriarchs, 82 Archbishops, 123 Bishops, 36 Presidents of Episcopal conferences and 12 Religious.
The Synodal Fathers come from all the continents and, in particular, 50 from Africa, 59 from America, 44 from Asia, 95 from Europe and 8 from Oceania.
Then there are also 32 Experts and 27 Auditors from the five continents. A valuable contribution towards the progress of the work is also offered by the Assistants and translators in the 6 languages of the Synod: Latin, Italian, French, Spanish, English and German.
12 Churches and ecclesial communities have been invited to send their representatives to the Synod of Bishops, of which up to now 10 have given the name of their representative. The Fraternal Delegates participate in the work; may intervene but they cannot vote. This prerogative belongs to the 256 Synodal Fathers.
In the preparation of the Synodal Assembly, a lot of work, often in a silent and abnegated way, was done by members of the General Secretariat, a small but dynamic and available team to whom go my most sincere thanks

Novelties in Synodal Methodology

It is easy to perceive from the work calendar that 23 General Congregations and 7 sessions for the Working Groups have been scheduled.
The Holy Father Benedict XVI willingly approved some novelties to the synodal methodology whose aim is to make the synodal meeting more agile, more participative, and therefore more collegial.
Considering the Synod will last three and not four weeks, and the number of participants is rather high, it has been necessary to reduce the time of the interventions of the Synodal Fathers from 8 to 6 minutes, as also the number of the sessions of the Working Groups.
The Synodal Fathers are kindly invited to follow a certain order in taking the floor following the four parts of the Instrumentum laboris. This suggestion, which is already present in the Ordo Synodi, should facilitate the concentration on the reflection which will have a privileged moment during the free discussions in the Synodal Hall, at the end of the daily general congregations, that is from 6 pm to 7 pm.
To favour greater participation, the Synodal Fathers will elect 8 members to the Commission for the Message , which will be approved by the Assembly and published at the end of the work. Other 4 members will be appointed by the Holy Father.
For practical reasons, electronic voting for decisions of minor importance will be carried out ad experimentum.
The Synod Hall has been modernized, in particular, with improvements to the lighting, air conditioning and video-services.
These are some methodological innovations, which can be included well in the history of the synodal establishment. In fact, during these 40 years, the method of the synodal work has undergone various amendments oriented in the last analysis to favour deepening episcopal collegiality, by offering valid advice to the Holy Father in his role as Petrine Primate for the good of the Universal Church.
It is probable that no Synodal Assembly has ever been celebrated like the next one, in an environment of such fervent prayer and religious participation of millions of faithful, who in this Year of the Eucharist, invoke from the Lord the grace to find the One they have already encountered in the celebration of the Holy Mass, memorial of the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, re-presentation of his sacrifice, as personal and communitarian sharing in the banquet of the eschatological wedding of the immolated Lamb. This environment of religious expectation and participation offers the grounded hope that the choral prayer of the Church will be received by the One and Triune God and that one can expect from the Synod of bishops, a renewed impulse in the proclamation of the Gospel, the good news for contemporary man, new evangelization centered on the Eucharistic mystery whose consequences will favour a rebirth of the life of faith, of hope, and of charity, so that those faithful, open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, will commit themselves to translate with adequate charitable creativity, in many works of human promotion.

[00017-02.12] [NNNNN] [Original text: Italian

♦ SYNODAL WORKING CALENDAR

2 October - Sunday

9.30
Solemn inauguration with concelebration of the Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Patriarchal Basilica 3 October - Monday

9.00 - 12.30
First General Congregation
Greeting by the President Delegate
Report by the General Secretary
Report before the Discussion

16.30 - 19.00
Second General Congregation
General Discussion begins

18.00 - 19.00
Open for Interventions

4 October- Tuesday

9.00 - 12.30
Third General Congregation
Election of the Commission for the Preparation of the Message - I
Continuation of the General Discussion

16.30 - 19.00
Fourth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion

18.00 - 19.00
Open for Interventions

5 October - Wednesday

9.00 - 12.30
Working Groups (First Session)
Election of the Moderators and the Relators
Discussion of the Synod Themes

16.00
Meeting of the Moderators and the Relators

16.30 - 19.00
Fifth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion

18.00 - 19.00
Open for Interventions 6 October - Thursday

9.00 - 12.30
Sixth General Congregation
Election of the Commission for the Preparation of the Message- II
Continuation of the General Discussion

16.30 - 19.00
Seventh General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion

18.00 - 19.00
Open for Interventions

7 October - Friday

9.00 - 12.30
Eighth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion

16.30 - 19.00
Ninth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion

18.00 - 19.00
Open for Interventions

8 October - Saturday

9.00 - 12.30
Tenth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion

16.30 - 19.00
Celebration of the XL Anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops

9 October - Sunday

Free day

10 October - Monday

9.00 -12.30
Eleventh General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion 16.30 - 19.00
Twelfth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion

18.00 - 19.00
Open for Interventions

11 October - Tuesday

9.00 - 12.30
Thirteenth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion
Audition of the Auditors (I)

16.30 - 19.00
Fourteenth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion
Audition of the Fraternal Delegates

18.00 - 19.00
Open for Interventions

12 October - Wednesday

9.00 - 12.30
Fifteenth General Congregation
Continuation of the General Discussion
Audition of the Auditors (II)

l6.30 -19.00
Sixteenth General Congregation
Report after the Discussion

13 October - Thursday

9.00 - 12.30
Working Groups (Second Session)
Formulation of the Propositions

16.30 - 19.00
Working Groups (Third Session)
Formulation of the Propositions 14 October - Friday

9.00 - 12.30
Working Groups (Fourth Session)
Formulation of the Propositions

16.30 - 19.00
Seventeenth General Congregation
Presentation of the Reports by the Working Groups in the Hall

19.00
Handing over the Propositions to the General Secretariate

15 October - Saturday

9.00 - 12.30
Eighteenth General Congregation
Election of the Council (I)
Presentation of the Draft of the Message
Discussion of the Message

16.30
Papal Audience, with First Communion children

16.30-19.00
No Congregation

Unification of the propositions by the General Relator with the Special Secretary and the Working Group Relators

16 October - Sunday

Free day

Unification of the propositions by the General Relator with the Special Secretary and the Working Group Relators

17 October - Monday

9.00 - 12.00
No Congregation

Unification of the propositions by the General Relator with the Special Secretary and the Working Group Relators 16.30 - 19.00
No Congregation

Unification of the propositions by the General Relator with the Special Secretary and the Working Group Relators

18 October - Tuesday

9.00 - 12.30
Nineteenth General Congregation
Presentation of the Unified List of Propositions

16.30 - 19.00
Working Groups (Fifth Session)
Preparation of Collective Amendments to the Propositions

19 October - Wednesday

9.00 - 12.30
Working Groups (Sixth Session)
Preparation of Collective Amendments to the Propositions

16.30 - 19.00
Working Groups (Seventh Session)
Preparation of Collective Amendments to the Propositions

19.00
Handing over the Collective Amendments to the General Secretariat

20 October - Thursday

9.00 - 12.30
No Congregation

Examination of the Collective Amendments to the propositions by the General Relator with the Special Secretary and the Work Grouping Relators

16.30 - 19.00
No Congregation

18.00
Concert: symphonic

Examination of the Collective Amendments to the propositions by the General Relator with the Special Secretary and the Working Group Relators 21 October - Friday

9.00 - 12.30
Twentieth General Congregation
Election of the Council (II)
Presentation and voting on the Message

Examination of the Collective Amendments to the propositions by the General Relator with the Special Secretary and the Workinging Group Relators

17.30 - 19.00
Twenty-first General Congregation
Presentation of the amended Propositions

22 October - Saturday

9.00 - 12.30
Twenty-second General Congregation
Voting on the Propositions: Placet - Non Placet

13.00
Fraternal meal with the Holy Father

17.30 - 19.00
Twenty.third General Congregation
Final Voting on the Propositions
Conclusion and Salutations

23 October - Sunday

10.00
Solemn Concelebration of the Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Patriarchal Basilica concluding the Synod

Vatican City, 14 September 2005

Nikola Eterović
Titular Archbishop of Sisak
Secretary General

[00002-02.04] [NNNNN] [Original text: Latin]

♦ GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE SYNOD

I
INTRODUCTION TO THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS

The Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution established by Pope Paul VI, 15 September 1965, in response to the desire of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council to keep alive the positive spirit engendered by the conciliar experience.
Literally speaking the word “synod”, derived from two Greek words syn meaning “together” and hodos meaning “road” or “way”, means a “coming together”. A Synod is a religious meeting or assembly at which bishops, gathered around and with the Holy Father, have the opportunity to interact with each other and to share information and experiences, in the common pursuit of pastoral solutions which have a universal validity and application. The Synod, generally speaking, can be defined as an assembly of bishops representing the Catholic episcopate, having the task of helping the Pope in the governing of the universal Church by rendering their counsel. Pope John Paul II has referred to the Synod as “a particularly fruitful expression and instrument of the collegiality of bishops” (Speech to the Council of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, 30 April 1983: L’Osservatore Romano, 1 May 1983).
Even before the Second Vatican Council the idea was growing for a structure which might provide the bishops with the means to assist the Pope, in some manner to be determined, in his governing of the universal Church.
His Eminence, Silvio Cardinal Oddi, then an Archbishop and Apostolic Pro-Nuncio in the United Arab Republic (Egypt), on 5 November 1959, made a proposal to establish a central governing body of the Church or, to use his words, “a consultative body”. He stated: “From many parts of the world there come complaints that the Church does not have a permanent consultative body, apart from the Roman congregations. Therefore, a kind of ‘Council in miniature’ should be established and include persons from the Church worldwide who would meet periodically, even once a year, to discuss major concerns and to suggest possible new paths in the workings of the Church. This body would extend over the whole Church as the Episcopal Conferences bring together all or part of the hierarchy of a country or countries. Other bodies, like C.E.L.AM. (the Latin American Episcopal Council), for example, extends its activity for the benefit of the whole continent”.
On 22 December 1959, His Eminence, Cardinal Bernardus Alfrink, Archbishop of Utrecht, wrote: “In clear terms the Council proclaims that the government of the universal Church is by right exercised by the college of bishops with the Pope as its head. From here it follows that, in one sense, the care of the universal Church is the responsibility of every bishop taken singularly, and also, in another sense, that all bishops participate in the governing of the Church worldwide. This can be done not only in calling an Ecumenical Council, but also in the creation of new institutions. Perhaps some permanent Council of specialized bishops, chosen from the Church, could be given the charge of a legislative function in union with the Supreme Pontiff and the cardinals of the Roman Curia. The Roman Congregations would then maintain only a consultative and executive power”.
However, it was Pope Paul VI who gave force to these ideas, while he was still Archbishop of Milan. In a talk commemorating the death of Pope John XXIII, he made reference to an “ongoing collaboration of the episcopate that is not yet in effect, which would remain personal and in union, but given the responsibility of governing the whole Church”. After his election as Pope he kept returning to the concept of collaboration within the Episcopal body - the bishops in union with the successor of Saint Peter - in a talk he gave to the Roman Curia (21 September 1963), at the opening of the second session of the Second Vatican Council (29 September 1963) and again at its closing (4 December 1963).
At the conclusion of a discourse beginning the last session of the Council (14 September 1965), Pope Paul VI himself made public his intention to establish the Synod of Bishops in the following words: “The advanced information that We Ourselves are happy to share with you is that We intend to give you some institution, called for by this Council, a ‘Synod of Bishops’, which will be made up of bishops nominated for the most part by the Episcopal Conferences with our approval and called by the Pope according to the needs of the Church, for his consultation and collaboration, when for the well-being of the Church it might seem to him opportune. It goes without saying that this collaboration of the episcopate ought to bring the greatest joy to the Holy See and to the whole Church. In a particular way it will serve a useful purpose in the daily work of the Roman Curia, to which We owe so much recognition for its most valuable help, and for which, as bishops in their diocese, We also have permanent need in Our apostolic concerns. News and norms will be made known to this assembly as soon as possible. We did not wish to deprive Ourselves of the honor and pleasure of making you aware of this brief communication so as to personally bear witness once more to Our trust, esteem and fraternity. We place this beautiful and promising innovation under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God”.
On the next day, 15 September 1965 at the beginning of the 128th General Assembly, the then Bishop Pericle Felici, General Secretary of the Council, promulgated the Motu Proprio Apostolica sollicitudo with which the Synod of Bishops was officially instituted.
The principal characteristic of the Synod of Bishops is service to the communion and collegiality of the world’s bishops with the Holy Father. It is not a particular organism with limited competence as that of the Roman Congregations and Councils. Instead, it has full competence to deal with any subject in accordance with the procedure established by the Holy Father in the letter of convocation. The Synod of Bishops with its permanent General Secretariat is not part of the Roman Curia and does not depend on it; it is subject directly and solely to the Holy Father, with whom it is united in the universal government of the Church.
Though the institution of the Synod of Bishops is permanent in character, its actual functioning and concrete collaboration are not. In other words, the Synod of Bishops meets and operates only when the Holy Father considers it necessary or opportune to consult the episcopate, which at a synodal gathering, expresses its “opinion on very important and serious subjects” (Paul VI, Address to Cardinals, 24 June 1967). The task of every synodal Assembly shares in the collegial character which the episcopate can offer to the Holy Father. Through the Holy Father’s acceptance of the advice or the decisions of a given Assembly, the episcopate exercises a collegial activity which approaches but does not equal that manifested at an Ecumenical Council. This is a direct result of various factors: the ensured representation of the whole episcopate, the convocation by the Holy Father and “the unity of the episcopate, which, in order to be one, requires that there be a Head of the College” (John Paul II, Pastores Gregis, 56), who is first in the episcopal order.

II
NOTES ON THE SYNODAL PROCESS

So as to fulfill its mission, the Synod of Bishops works according to a methodology based on collegiality, a concept which characterizes every stage of the Synod process from the first steps of preparation to the conclusions reached in each synodal Assembly. Briefly stated, the method of work alternates between analysis and synthesis, in consulting interested parties and decisions being made by competent authorities, according to a dynamic of feed-back which permits the continual verification of results and the making of new proposals. Each part of this process takes place within the climate of collegial communion.
Already in the preparatory stage, the topic of the synodal Assembly is the result of collegiality. The first official step in the process is to consult the Patriarchates, Episcopal Conferences, department heads of the Roman Curia and the Union of Superiors General for suggestions on possible topics for a Synod. Recently, in Ordinary General Assemblies this consultation has been anticipated by an informal solicitation of the Synod Fathers in the closing days of the synodal Assembly for their preference on a matter. However, in both cases the bishops are asked to keep in mind the following criteria:
a. that the topic have a universal character, that is, a reference and application to the whole Church;
b. that the topic have a contemporary character and urgency, in a positive sense, that is, having the capability of exciting new energies and movement in the Church towards growth;
c. that the topic have a pastoral focus and application as well as a firm doctrinal basis;
d. that the topic have a feasibility; in other words, that it have the potential to be actually accomplished.
The suggestions on a topic - which must include the reasons for such choice - are classified, analyzed and studied during a meeting of the Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. Afterwards, the Council submits the meeting’s results, together with pertinent recommendations, to the Holy Father who makes the final decision on the topic for treatment in the synodal Assembly.
At the next meeting, the Council prepares an outline for developing and presenting the Synod topic in the document called the Lineamenta. The drafting of this document represents the combined work of the Council members, theologians who have a certain expertise in the material to be treated in the synodal Assembly, and the staff of the General Secretariat who coordinate the various efforts. After studying the text and making the necessary revisions, the Council drafts a final version which is submitted to the Holy Father for his approval. The document is then translated into the world’s major languages and sent to the Church’s episcopate for the purpose of generating at the local level study, discussion and prayer concerning the Synod topic.
The Lineamenta (from the Latin word meaning “outline”) is by its nature very broad in scope and is meant to elicit a broad range of observations and reactions. Though the first and authoritative recipients of the Lineamenta are obviously the bishops and the Episcopal Conferences, they have full liberty to broaden their basis of consultation. After gathering and summarizing suggestions, reactions and responses to the various aspects of the Lineamenta topic, the bishops prepare a report or official response to the questions proposed in the document, which is then sent to the General Secretariat by a certain date.
After having received the above material, the Council of the General Secretariat, always with the help of specialists on the subject, proceeds to draft another document called the Instrumentum laboris, which will serve as the basis and reference-point during Synodal discussion. This “working document”, though rendered public, is only a provisional text which will be the object of discussion during the Synod. The document is not a draft of the final conclusions but only a text which aims at helping to focus discussion on the Synod topic. After subsequent submission and approval by the Holy Father the document is translated into the major languages and sent to the bishops and those members who will participate in the General Assembly. At times, the Holy Father has granted permission for the text to be made public so as to receive a wide circulation, e.g., since 1983 this has been the case with the Instrumentum laboris of a given synodal Assembly. The bishop delegates and members read the document to familiarize themselves with the contents which will then be discussed at the synodal Assembly.
As a result of preparation work in the local Churches, based on the above-mentioned documents, i.e., Lineamenta and Instrumentum laboris, the bishops are thereby able to present to the synodal Assembly the experiences and aspirations of each community as well as the fruit of the preliminary discussions of the Episcopal Conferences.
Three phases characterize the Synod’s working sessions:
a. During the first phase, each member makes a presentation of the situation in his particular Church. This encourages an exchange of faith and cultural experiences on the Synod topic and contributes an initial picture of the Church situation, which, nevertheless, needs greater development and refinement.
b. In light of these presentations, the Relator of the Synod formulates a series of points for discussion during the second phase, when all the Synodal members divide into small groups (circuli minores) according to the various languages spoken. The reports of each one of these groups are read in the plenary session. At this time, the Synod Fathers are given the opportunity to pose questions to clarify the subjects expressed and are able to make comments.
c. In the third phase, work proceeds in the Small Groups towards formulating suggestions and observations in a more precise and definite form, so that in the final days of the Assembly a vote can be taken on concrete propositions. The Synod Fathers’ initial work in the Small Groups is to compose various propositions on the basis of the discussion in the Synod hall and the reports of the Small Groups. In the Small Groups, the Synod Fathers can vote on a proposition with a “placet” (yes) or “non placet” (no). The propositions of the Small Groups are then taken by the General Relator and Special Secretary and combined into an Integrated list of propositions which is presented by the General Rapporteur in plenary session. Afterwards, the Small Groups again meet to discuss the propositions. At this time, the Synod Fathers can submit individual amendments for consideration by the group, which will be used in composing the collectively voted upon amendments to the propositions which are expected from each group. The General Rapporteur and the Special Secretary give consideration to these collective amendments and may or may not incorporate them in the Final list of propositions, depending on their decision, which, in case of refusal, have to give the basis for their decision in a document called the Expensio modorum. The Final list of propositions is then presented in plenary session, after which the booklet becomes the ballot where each Synod Father can vote for or against the proposition.
At the end of a synodal Assembly, the General Secretary oversees the work of archiving the material and drafting the report on the work of the Synod for submission to the Holy Father. No established norm exists concerning the final document from the synodal Assembly. At the conclusion of the first three Synodal assemblies (1967 and 1971 Ordinary General Assemblies and the 1969 Extraordinary General Assembly) the conclusions were submitted to the attention of the Pope with recommendations in response to problems expressed. Instead, after the 1974 Third Ordinary General Assembly the Holy Father himself, taking into account the Synodal propositions and final reports, drafted the Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii nuntiandi”. A similar process was followed in the remaining Ordinary General Synodal Assemblies (1977, 1980, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1994), from which the following Apostolic Exhortations are associated respectively, Catechesi tradendæ, Familiaris consortio, Reconciliatio et pænitentia, Christifideles laici, Pastores dabo vobis and Vita consecrata. At the conclusion of the Special Assembly for Africa (1994), the Holy Father promulgated the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa which, is having good results in fostering reflection and pastoral initiatives on this continent. In May, 1997, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation for the Special Assembly for Lebanon (1995), Une espérance nouvelle pour le Liban, was published during a papal trip to Lebanon as part of the celebration phase of the Special Assembly. On 23 January 1999 the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America was promulgated by the Holy Father in Mexico at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On 6 November 1999 the Post-Synodal Exhortation for Asia Ecclesia in Asia was signed by the Holy Father in Delhi, India. Since, for health reasons, the Holy Father was unable to travel to Oceania, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Oceania was published on 22 November 2001 in a ceremony in which the Holy Father electronically sent the document to all the particular Churches in Oceania, thus making it the first pontifical document to be transmitted over the internet. On 28 June 2003, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Europa was signed by the Holy Father at a Vespers service in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Since the 1987 Synod, the various Councils of the General Secretariat and the General Secretary have been collegially involved in the process leading to the publication of the post-Synodal apostolic exhortation, the papal document coming from the Synod. It is interesting to note the history and development of these Councils.
Between the second and third Synodal assemblies, an advisory Council for the General Secretariat was formed, made up of 12 elected bishops and 3 papal appointees. Such a Council first met from 12-15 May 1970 and was intended to facilitate communication with episcopal conferences and the formulation of the agenda for the subsequent assembly. After this meeting, a general consultation of the bishops worldwide was begun for suggested topics for future assemblies (such consultation now begins in the final days of an ordinary general assembly).
Since that time the ordinary councils of the General Secretariat, elected from each Synod in light of preparation for the following one, have become a permanent feature of the General Secretariat:
- II Ordinary Council (6 November 1971 - 27 September 1974);
- III Ordinary Council (26 October 1974 - 30 September 1977);
- IV Ordinary Council (29 October 1977 - 26 September 1980);
- V Ordinary Council (25 October 1980 - 29 September 1983);
- VI Ordinary Council (29 October 1983 - 1 October 1987);
- VII Ordinary Council (30 October 1987 - 30 September 1990);
- VIII Ordinary Council (28 October 1990 - 2 October 1994);
- IX Ordinary Council (29 October 1994 - 25 April 2001);
- X Ordinary Council (26 October 2001 - 2 October 2005).
With the advent of continental or regional Synodal assemblies, the Holy Father chose to form during the Special Assemblies Post-Synodal Councils through election and papal appointment. As a result, in addition to the Ordinary Council, the General Secretariat has in existence the following Post-Synodal Councils from their date of institution:
- Post-Synodal Council for the Netherlands (31 January 1980);
- Post-Synodal Council for Africa (8 May 1994);
- Post- Synodal Council for Lebanon (14 December 1995);
- Post- Synodal Council for America (12 December 1997);
- Post-Synodal Council for Asia (14 May 1998);
- Post-Synodal Council for Oceania (11 December 1998);
- Post-Synodal Council for Europe II (22 October 1999).
Similarly, in the preparation of a Special Assembly the Holy Father has appointed a group of bishops, primarily from the continent and region under consideration, to form Pre-Synodal Councils. These Councils endure from the date of appointment until the first day of the synodal Assembly. Therefore, the following is a listing of past Pre-Synodal Councils, in this category, along with their dates of existence:
- Pre-Synodal Council for Africa (6 January 1989 - 10 April 1994);
- Pre-Synodal Council for Lebanon (24 January 1992 - 26 November 1995);
- Pre-Synodal Council for America (12 June 1995 - 16 November 1997);
- Pre-Synodal Council for Asia (10 September 1995 - 19 April 1998);
- Pre-Synodal Council for Oceania (7 June 1996 - 22 November 1998);
- Pre-Synodal Council for Europe II (9 February 1997 - 1 October 1999).
As can be observed, the collegial methodology is operative from the very beginning (through the choice of topic), during the preparation (through the development of the topic in the Lineamenta) and the actual celebration of the synodal Assembly, to the publication of the document, which is the fruit and crowning-point of the Synod itself. In this way, it can be said that the Synod works as a collegial body through which, in the first stage, the faith and life experiences of the Christian communities are taken into account; later, in plenary sessions, these elements are recapitulated and enlightened by faith and then, in a spirit of communion, propositions are formulated which, from the Holy Father, who is the principle of unity in the Church, return to the particular Churches as the oxygenated blood returns to arteries to vivify the human body.
So that this collegiality can fully realize its potential, it is necessary that a selfless spirit of collaboration exist among all those called upon to participate in the preparation of a synodal Assembly, particularly the Episcopal Conferences which gather the Pastors of the local Churches where the faith of the People of God is lived and experienced in all its vigor and richness. The principle way in which the collegial participation of the Episcopal Conferences receives concrete form is in their responses to the Lineamenta. The greater the number of Episcopal Conferences which respond, the more rich and varied will be the elements which, faithfully reflecting the life of the local Churches, constitute true reference points for both the drafting of the Instrumentum laboris, and the discussion in the Synod hall during a synodal Assembly.

III
SUMMARY OF THE SYNOD ASSEMBLIES

1. I Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 29 September - 29 October 1967
Synod Fathers: 197
Topic: “The Preservation and Strengthening of the Catholic Faith, its Integrity, its Force, its Development, its Doctrinal and Historical Coherence”

Pope Paul VI stated the goals for this First General Assembly: “... the preservation and the strengthening of the Catholic faith, its integrity, its force, its development, its doctrinal and historical coherence”. One result of the meeting was a recommendation by the bishops, in light of the rise of atheism, a crisis of faith and erroneous theological opinions, to set up an international commission of theologians to assist the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as well as to broaden a discussion on approaches to theological research. In 1969 Pope Paul VI established the International Theological Commission.
The Synod also called for a revision of the Code of Canon Law of 1917 in an attempt to make it more pastoral and more contemporary in tone and emphasis. The work was subsequently begun by Pope Paul VI and brought to completion under Pope John Paul II with the promulgation, in 1983, of the Revised Code of Canon Law.
Other pastoral questions were discussed and submitted to the Pope as recommendations: that Episcopal Conferences should have major control over seminaries in their respective areas; procedures relating to mixed marriages were recommended and approved by the Pope in 1970; and approval was given for the New Order of the Mass which was put into effect in 1969.

2. I Extraordinary General Assembly

In Session: 11 October - 28 October 1969
Synod Fathers: 146
Topic: “The Cooperation between the Holy See and the Episcopal Conferences”

This specially convoked General Assembly had as its agenda to seek and examine ways and means of putting into practice the collegiality of bishops with the Pope, a subject which gained much attention in the declarations on the Church formulated at the Second Vatican Council. This meeting opened the door to wider participation by the bishops with the Pope and each other in the pastoral care of the universal Church.
The main emphasis of these sessions involved two basic points: 1. the collegiality of the bishops with the Pope; 2. the relation of Episcopal Conferences to the Pope and to individual bishops. Various recommendations were subsequently submitted to the Pope, three of which received immediate attention: 1. that the Synod meet at regular intervals, every two years (subsequently changed to every 3 years); 2. that the General Secretariat operate between Synodal sessions and organize these meeting; 3. that the bishops be permitted to suggest topics for the future assemblies.

Between the second and third Synodal assemblies, an advisory Council for the General Secretariat was formed made up of 12 elected bishops and 3 papal appointees. Such a Council first met from 12-15 May 1970 and was intended to facilitate communication with episcopal conferences and the formulation of the agenda for the subsequent assembly. After this meeting a general consultation of the bishops worldwide was begun for suggested topics for future assemblies. Such consultation now begins in the final days of a synodal Assembly. Since that time the Council of the General Secretariat, elected from each Synod in light of preparation for the following Synod, has become a permanent feature of the General Secretariat.

3. II Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 30 September - 6 November 1971 (longest to date)
Synod Fathers: 210
Topic: “The Ministerial Priesthood and Justice in the World”

In the course of their discussion the Synod Fathers praised priests worldwide for their dedication in their ministry to Word and Sacrament as well as their pastoral work in the apostolate. At the same time, attention was given to various difficulties experienced by priests in the ministry.
In addition, the Synod Fathers treated the subject of justice, stating the need to relate the Gospel to existing worldwide and local circumstances. In response they outlined an 8-point program for international action, and made recommendations that the Church on the local level foster education and ecumenical collaboration in the field of justice.

4. III Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 27 September - 26 October 1974
Synod Fathers: 209
Topic: “Evangelization in the Modern World”

At this assembly the Synod Fathers re-emphasized the essential missionary character of the Church and the duty of each member to bear witness to Christ in the world. In this context the popular issue of “liberation” was linked to the work of evangelization in seeking to free peoples and individuals from sin. The Synod Fathers’ recommendations and proposals submitted to the Pope, were used in the formulation of the Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii nuntiandi” of 8 December 1975.

5. IV Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 30 September - 29 October 1977
Synod Fathers: 204
Topic: “Catechesis in our Time”

The discussion of the Synod Fathers, which gave special attention to the catechesis of children and young people, resulted in a series of 34 proposals or “Propositions” and over 900 suggestions regarding the subject. Six general areas were treated in the these recommendations: the importance of catechetical renewal, the nature of true catechesis, the persons involved in catechesis, the ongoing need of catechesis for all Christians, the means or channels of catechesis and the special aspects affecting catechesis.
On this occasion the Synod Fathers issued for the first time a Synodal statement entitled A Message to the People of God, in which the Synod Fathers pointed out that Christ is the center of salvation and, therefore, of catechesis. At the same time, they emphasized that all Christians have the responsibility of bringing Christ to the world.
Shortly after the conclusion of this Synod, Pope John Paul II issued the Apostolic Exhortation “Catechesi tradendae” of 17 October 1979, which utilized a great many of the Synod Fathers’ insights and proposals.

6. Special Assembly for the Netherlands

In Session: 14 - 31 January 1980
Synod Fathers: 19
Topic: “The Pastoral Situation in the Netherlands”

The “Particular Synod for the Netherlands”, or the so-called “Dutch Synod” is, according to the revised Code of Canon Law (Cf. Canon 345), subsequently promulgated in 1983, the first Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This synodal gathering, held in the Vatican, treated the Vatican II concept of mystery of Church communion and its practical implications, both local and universal, centering on the figure of the bishop as “Teacher of the Faith” and “Pastor of Souls”, both in his diocese and in the Episcopal Conference. At its conclusion the assembly adopted resolutions pertaining to the ministerial priesthood, religious life, the participation of the laity in the mission of the Church, the sacraments, the Eucharist and Confession, liturgy, catechesis and ecumenism, all based on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. A specially-formed Council instituted at the end of this synodal assembly periodically meets with the General Secretariat to continue to assess the pastoral situation and to promote the implementation of the Synod resolutions. Though technically still in existence, this Council has not had a meeting since 10-11 November 1995.

7. V Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 26 September - 25 October 1980
Synod Fathers: 216
Topic: “The Christian Family”

A reaffirmation of the Church’s teaching on the indissolubility of marriage and the contents of the encyclical Humanae vitae was central to the work of this Synod. In the course of their work the Synod Fathers produced a written message entitled, A Message to Christian Families in the Modern World, and proposed a Charter for the Rights of the Family which Pope John Paul II subsequently acted upon, on 22 October 1983. From the discussion and proposals of the assembly the Pope issued the Apostolic Exhortation “Familiaris consortio” of 22 November 1981.

8. VI Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 29 September - 29 October 1983
Synod Fathers: 221
Topic: “Penance and Reconciliation in the Mission of the Church”

The synodal assembly and theme coincided with the “extraordinary” Holy Year proclaimed by the Holy Father to commemorate the 1950th year of the Redemption of the World through the Death of Christ. At this time the Synod Fathers discussed related matters, emphasizing the need of applying the fruits of Christ’s redemption to a person’s life and, as a result, to society. In a statement issued by the assembly the Synod Fathers called the world to “reconciliation” and proclaimed “the Church as a Sacrament of reconciliation and a sign of the mercy of God toward the sinner”. The Synod Fathers’ work during the Synod served as the basis for the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Reconciliatio et paenitentia” of 2 December 1984, which for the first time was designated as a “Post-Synodal” document.

9. II Extraordinary General Assembly

In Session: 24 November - 8 December 1985
Synod Fathers: 165
Topic: “The Twentieth Anniversary of the Conclusion of the Second Vatican Council”

Specially convened by Pope John Paul II, the purpose of this synodal assembly was to commemorate the occurrence of the Second Vatican Council and to assess the state of Church renewal. According to statute the Synod brought together all the presidents of the over 100 Episcopal Conferences worldwide and various other persons. The discussions centered on the documents of the Second Vatican Council and their implementation in the Church around the world. At this session the Synod Fathers produced a final report (Relatio finalis), issued at the closing session, along with a Nuntius or Message to the People of God. Responding to the proposal from the Synod Fathers at this assembly, the Holy Father authorized the compilation and publication of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, released in 1992. At the same time, it “... called for a fuller and more profound study of the theological and, consequently, the juridical status of episcopal Conferences, and above all of the issue of their doctrinal authority, in light of no. 38 of the conciliar Decree Christus Dominus and canons 447 and 753 of the Code of Canon Law (Final Report, II, C, 8, b),” which was addressed in John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio on the Theological and Juridical Nature of Episcopal Conferences (21 May 1998), 7.

10. VII Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 1 - 30 October 1987
Synod Fathers: 232
Topic: “The Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World”

Through a consideration of the concepts of vocation (“being”) and mission (“doing”) in the Vatican II context of Church communion, the Synod Fathers sought to emphasize the distinctive nature of the lay faithful in the Church’s life, in their sharing or communion in holiness and the Church’s work of evangelization in the world, in virtue of their secular character. Because of the topic, this Synod witnessed a significant presence of lay persons as Auditors, who were called upon to address the general assembly and share insights in the Small Groups. For the first time, a lay woman and man were appointed as Adjunct Special Secretaries. The information resulting from this Synod, particularly the 54 propositions of the General Assembly, were used in the formulation of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Christifideles laici” of 30 December 1988.

11. VIII Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 30 September - 28 October 1990
Synod Fathers: 238
Topic: “The Formation of Priests in Circumstances of the Present Day”

Taking into consideration the work of the Second Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (1971) which gave a theological treatment to the priesthood and its implications in the priestly ministry, this Synod was more pastoral in tone, centering upon priestly formation and the “person” of the priest himself, both religious and diocesan, before and after ordination. Notable in the sessions was the general accord of the Synod Fathers in their discussion and treatment of the subject. At the Synod’s conclusion the Synod Fathers offered 41 propositions to the Holy Father which were used, along with other information resulting from the Synod process, in the preparation of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation entitled “Pastores dabo vobis” of 25 March 1992.

12. I Special Assembly for Europe

In Session: 28 November - 14 December 1991
Synod Fathers: 137
Topic: “So That We Might Be Witnesses of Christ Who Has Set Us Free”

On 22 April 1990 during an Apostolic Visit to Velehrad, Czechoslovakia, the site of the tomb of St. Methodius, co-patron of Europe with Saints Cyril and Benedict, the Holy Father announced his desire to convoke a Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops so as to discern the kairos of the situation created by the great changes taking place in Europe and to consider the role of the Church in the efforts on the continent towards renewal and reconstruction. The special nature of the Synod and its brief preparation period required various modifications to Synod procedure, e.g., instead of the Lineamenta and Instrumentum laboris documents, a brief guide to reflection (Itinerarium) and a synopsis (Summarium) were prepared; special criteria were devised for episcopal delegates so as also to give substantial representation bishops from Central and Eastern Europe, etc. One of the noteworthy events in the preparation was a pre-Synodal symposium sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture which gathered intellectuals from both eastern and western Europe in a common reflection on the Synod topic. Likewise, representatives from the Orthodox Church and major Christian communities in Europe were invited in a spirit of ecumenism to participate for the first time in a synodal Assembly as “fraternal delegates”. The work of the special assembly culminated in the publication of a Declaration, in which the Synod Fathers outlined a program for the new evangelization of Europe and made an appeal for universal solidarity among all European citizens. Subsequently, a group of members from the special assembly was appointed to devise ways of implementing the conclusions of the Declaration through a strengthening of the Concilium Conferentiarum Episcopalium Europae (CCEE) in light of the present circumstances.

13. Special Assembly for Africa

In Session: 10 April - 8 May 1994
Synod Fathers: 242
Topic: “The Church in Africa and Her Evangelizing Mission Towards the Year 2000: ‘You Shall Be My Witnesses’ (Acts 1, 8)”

On 6 January 1989 the Holy Father announced his intention to convene this Special Assembly and appointed a Pre-Preparatory Commission, made up primarily of members of the African episcopate. The following June, this group was expanded to constitute the Council of the General Secretariat, and entrusted with helping prepare for the synodal Assembly. In conjunction with the meeting of representatives of the African episcopate in Lomé, Togo, July, 1990, the Lineamenta document “outlining” the Synod topic was published, beginning a period of prayerful reflection on the local level. The responses from the local Churches were used in formulating the Special Assembly’s “working paper” or Instrumentum laboris, released during the Holy Father’s Ninth Pastoral Visit to Africa, Kampala (Uganda), February, 1993.
With this document as a point of reference, the Synod Fathers discussed in the month long session the general topic of evangelization from the following perspectives: 1. Proclamation of the Message; 2. Inculturation; 3. Dialogue; 4. Justice and Peace; 5. Means of Social Communication. In addition to the lively and in-depth discussion of the topic during the various phases of Synodal activity, a highlight of the Special Assembly were the opening and closing ceremonies which incorporated many elements from liturgical traditions in Africa.
The resulting documentation includes a lengthy Message to the People of God, released at the conclusion of the Special Assembly, and the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Africa” of 14 September 1995, signed and presented to the Church in conjunction with the Synodal visit to Africa by the Holy Father, 14-20 September 1995, for the Special Assembly’s celebration phase.
A Post-Synodal Council, elected from the Special Assembly, continues to offer assistance to the General Secretariat. Its task is to monitor the impact and implementation of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation at the level of the local Church. The Council compiled a report which was sent to all the bishops in Africa, the heads of the departments of the Roman Curia, and the presidents of Episcopal Conferences worldwide as well as other interested parties. This Council meets periodically to assess the situation so as to update and encourage the bishops of Africa in the application of the document’s rich contents.
On 13 November 2004, during the Symposium of the Bishops of Africa and Europe, held in Rome, Pope John Paul II, “welcoming the aspirations of the Post-Synodal Council”, made the announcement to convoke a Second Special Assembly for Africa in response to the “the hopes of the African pastors”. In the General Audience of 22 June 2005, Pope Benedict XVI confirmed this decision “made by my venerated predecessor”. No specific dates or topic for the Second Special Assembly have been announced.

14. IX Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 2 - 29 October 1994
Synod Fathers: 245
Topic: “The Consecrated Life and Its Role in the Church and in the World”

On 30 December 1991, the Holy Father announced the convocation of a synodal Assembly to consider the topic of consecrated life. Some saw it as a logical completion of the treatment of the states of life in the Church begun in the previous two Ordinary Assemblies on the laity and the priesthood respectively. The period of prayer and reflection prior to the synodal Assembly was particularly fruitful, eliciting a widespread exchange not simply within the institutes of consecrated life and the societies of apostolic life, but also within national and international bodies, not to mention various individual and group initiatives with the Church’s hierarchy and various departments of the Roman Curia. The Synod Fathers touched on a vast number of subjects associated with the topic and listened attentively to the many interventions made by the great number of auditors. Particularly noteworthy during this Synodal gathering was the number of Synod Fathers members from religious congregations, the appointment of a woman and man religious as Adjunct Special Secretaries, as well as the significantly increased number of women and men from the consecrated life as Experts and Auditors. The Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Vita consecrata” was published on 25 March 1996. 15. Special Assembly for Lebanon

In Session: 26 November - 14 December 1995
Synod Fathers: 69
Topic: “Christ is Our Hope: Renewed by His Spirit, in Solidarity We Bear Witness to His Love”

Because of the particular needs of the Church in Lebanon created by the prolonged situation of war, the Holy Father announced on 6 June 1991 his intention to convoke a Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Lebanon. After subsequent initial meetings with the Patriarchs of the Oriental Churches in Lebanon, a ten-member Council, representing the 6 sui juris Catholic Churches in Lebanon, was appointed in January, 1992 to render assistance in the required preparatory work. At the same time, a Lebanese bishop was also designated as an on-site coordinator.
The Lineamenta of the Special Assembly was made public on 13 March 1993, beginning the phase of prayer and reflection on the Synod topic by the local dioceses and various Church bodies in Lebanon, a period which lasted until 1 November 94. The responses to the Lineamenta were incorporated in the Instrumentum laboris, the Special Assembly’s working document, which served as the point of reference during the synodal Assembly. On 12 December, an annotated version of the Code of Canons of the Oriental Churches, published under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts, was distributed to the synod fathers.
On 10 May 1997 the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “A New Hope for Lebanon”, was published during a papal visit to Lebanon for the celebration phase of the Special Assembly. An Arab translation of the document, prepared by the Assembly of Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon (A.P.E.C.L.), was subsequently published in 1998. The Post-Synodal Council, resulting from this special assembly, continues to hold meetings to evaluate the impact and implementation of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation in Lebanon. In this regard, a report was prepared and mailed in 2003 to the hierarchy of Lebanon, the heads of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Patriarchs, Major Archbishops and Metropolitans of the Eastern Churches sui iuris, the presidents of the episcopal conferences worldwide and other interested parties. The Special Council continues to meet periodically to assess the situation in Lebanon.

16. Special Assembly for America

In Session: 16 November - 12 December 1997
Synod Fathers: 233
Topic: “Encounter with the Living Jesus Christ: the Way to Conversion, Communion and Solidarity in America”

In the Apostolic Letter Tertio millennio adveniente, the Holy Father made known his desire to continue the Synodal movement on the continental level, beginning with the Special Assemblies for Europe (1991) and Africa (1994), and to convene special Synodal assemblies, including the Special Assembly for America, as part of the program leading to the celebration of the Jubilee Year 2000. On 12 June 1995, a Pre-Synodal Council was appointed to collaborate in the preparations of the special assembly. With its assistance, the Lineamenta was published on 3 September 1996 and the Instrumentum laboris on 10 September 1997.
During the assembly, the Synod Fathers took into consideration the various features of Church life and society on the American continent and sought the best ways and means of allowing the people of America to encounter Jesus Christ. In this regard, they discussed the relation between the Gospel and culture and the main concepts of conversion, communion and solidarity in meeting the great challenges of contemporary society on the continent. At the conclusion of the special assembly the Synod Fathers published the customary Nuntius or “Message to the People of God”.
A Post-Synodal Council, elected during the assembly, met on various occasions to evaluate the results of the Synod and to offer assistance to the Holy Father in drafting the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in America” of 22 January 1999, which was promulgated by the Holy Father, 23 January 1999, during the celebration phase of the special assembly in Mexico City, Mexico. On the following day, many Synodal participants from all parts of the continent were present for the Eucharistic Liturgy celebrated in the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadeloupe.
Subsequently, the Post-Synodal Council has met at various times to evaluate the implementation of the document and to offer encouragement to the bishops in their initiatives on the continent in response to the post-Synodal document. In 2002, a report in this matter was prepared and sent to each member of the hierarchy in America, the heads of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Patriarchs, Major Archbishops and Metropolitans of the Eastern Churches sui iuris, the presidents of the episcopal conferences worldwide and other interested parties. The Special Council meets periodically to continue to discuss the priority issues on the continent set forth in the report.

17. Special Assembly for Asia

In Session: 19 April - 14 May 1998
Synod Fathers: 191
Topic: “Jesus Christ the Savior and His Mission of Love and Service in Asia: ‘...That They May Have Life, and Have it Abundantly’ (Jn 10,10)”

In the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente, the Holy Father announced his intention to call special synodal assemblies on the continental level as part of the preparatory program leading to the Jubilee Year 2000. On 10 September 1995, the Holy Father established the Pre-Synodal Council for the Special Assembly for Asia made up primarily of cardinals, archbishops and bishops from Asia. Part of their task was to assist the General Secretariat in the drafting of the Lineamenta released on 3 September 1996 and the Instrumentum laboris published on 13 February 1998.
During the Special Assembly, the Synod Fathers, keeping in mind that the Church is a small but vibrant flock on a Asian continent where the Great Religions of the World are present, focused their attention on the uniqueness of the person of Jesus as Savior and His gift of abundant life in the context of the Church’s program of a new evangelization. Of particular concern was how the Church, in a concrete pastoral plan, can continue the Lord’s mission of love and service in Asia. At the conclusion, the Synod Fathers published a Nuntius or “Message to the People of God” which treated various points of the Synodal topic.
A Post-Synodal Council resulted from the synodal assembly. Subsequently having met at various intervals in the wake of the assembly, this Council offered assistance in analyzing the special assembly’s recommendations and contributed to the drafting of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Asia”, which was signed by the Holy Father on 6 November 1999 in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, during the Synod’s celebration phase, 5-8 November 1999, in New Delhi, India. Since that time, the Post-Synodal Council had met periodically to evaluate the distribution and implementation of the document in the Church in Asia. In 2002, a report was prepared and mailed to each member of the hierarchy on the Asian continent, the heads of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Patriarchs, Major Archbishops and Metropolitans of the Eastern Churches sui iuris, the presidents of the episcopal conferences worldwide and other interested parties.
At its last meeting in November, 2004, the Special Council shared further reaction to the Post-Synodal document, evaluated the significance of the Special Assembly on the Asian continent, related the present state of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in various countries and spoke of published works recounting the lives of saints and blesseds from Asia.

18. Special Assembly for Oceania

In Session: 22 November - 12 December 1998
Synod Fathers: 117
Topic: “Jesus Christ and the Peoples of Oceania: Walking His Way, Telling His Truth, Living His Life”

The Special Assembly for Oceania was the third continental or regional synodal assembly to be held in the series announced by the Holy Father in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente as part of the preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000. On 7 June 1996 the Holy Father appointed the Pre-Synodal Council made up primarily of bishops from Oceania. In a series of meetings held in Rome and Wellington, New Zealand, this Council offered assistance in drafting the Lineamenta, establishing criteria for participation, and finalizing the Instrumentum Laboris.
A unique feature of this synodal Assembly was the fact that all bishops of the region were to participate as ex officio members. To ease travel difficulties and limit the absence of the bishops from their local Churches, arrangements were made to hold the customary ad limina visits in conjunction with the special assembly. Despite the great difference in pastoral situations in the region, many common concerns emerged in the course of Synod work, e.g., inculturation of the Gospel, renewed attention to catechetics and formation, the revitalization of the faith of believers, pastoral care of youth, migrants and native peoples, etc., all of which converged in a concentration on the person of Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
On 11 December, the members of the Special Assembly elected a Post-Synodal Council, to which the Holy Father appointed three members. This Council held a number of meetings to discuss the outcome of the special assembly and to offer assistance to the Holy Father in drafting the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Oceania”, promulgated 22 November 2001 at an important, historic ceremony in the Vatican during which the document was simultaneously transmitted on the internet to all the dioceses of the region. Ecclesia in Oceania thus became the first papal document to be transmitted by internet in the computer age.
In 2003, the Post-Synodal Council met to begin the process of evaluating the impact and implementation of Ecclesia in Oceania in the region. In this regard, a questionnaire was composed and sent to all bishops in Oceania. The Special Council is scheduled to analyze the results of this consultation at its next meeting to be held in the summer of 2006, in Fiji, in conjunction with the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of the Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania. 19. II Special Assembly for Europe

In Session: 1 - 23 October 1999
Synod Fathers: 117
Topic: “Jesus Christ, Alive in His Church, Source of Hope for Europe”

The Second Special Assembly for Europe is the last in the series of continental Synodal assemblies which were convoked by the Holy Father in his Apostolic Letter Tertio millennio adveniente as part of the preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000. Notwithstanding the fact that the First Special Assembly for Europe took place in 1991, less than a decade ago, new social and cultural situations, existent on the continent in the wake of political changes in the East, have created pastoral challenges which make particularly opportune the convocation of a Second Special Assembly for Europe.
On 9 February 1997 the Holy Father appointed the Pre-Synodal Council to assist in the preparation of this synodal assembly, which, with the help of theologians from Europe and the staff of the General Secretariat, published the Lineamenta (Spring, 1998) and the Instrumentum Laboris (21 June 1999) of the Special Assembly.
In the course of the Second Special Assembly, the synod fathers gave attention to the various realities in the Church in Europe and the particular historic moment in the project towards unifying the continent. The topic of Jesus Christ, alive in his Church, dominated the synodal discussion on the cultural roots of the continent, while, at the same time, serving as the source of hope in the building of a new Europe on the foundation of faith.
The Post-Synodal Council, elected during the Assembly, held various meetings to analyze the outcome of the synod and to contribute to the drafting of the Holy Father’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Europa” which was promulgated in the Vatican, 28 June 2003, during Evening Prayer beginning the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
In 2004, the Post-Synodal Council met to begin the process of evaluating the impact and implementation of Ecclesia in Europa in the continent. In this regard, a questionnaire was composed and sent to the episcopal conferences and continental organizations in Europe in view of providing the same bodies with a summary report of the initiatives and programs, planned or underway, in the Church in Europe.

20. X Ordinary General Assembly

In Session: 30 September - 27 October 2001
Topic: “The Bishop: Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World”

In preparation for the Tenth Ordinary General Assembly, the Ninth Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat, in a series of periodic meetings assisted in the consultation process to determine the Synodal topic and collaborated in the composition of the Lineamenta which was sent on 16 June 1998 to the bishops throughout the world and those customarily contacted for official responses. The responses were subsequently analyzed and included in the Council’s work of drafting the Instrumentum laboris which was released on 1 June 2001.
During the synodal assembly the synod fathers focused on the person and role of the bishop in his diocese at the beginning of the Third Millennium.
On 26 October 2001, the synodal assembly elected members to the Tenth Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat to which the Holy Father appointed three members. In subsequent meetings, this Council analyzed the material which came from the synod process, especially the synod’s Propositiones, so as to offer assistance to the Holy Father in his drafting the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Pastores Gregis”, promulgated 16 October 2003, in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the Holy Father’s election.

21. XI Ordinary General Assembly

Scheduled to be in Session: 2 - 23 October 2005
Topic: The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church

On 29 November 2003, taking into consideration the opinion of the members of the Tenth Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, based on the consultation of the episcopal conferences worldwide and the other parties concerned, Pope John Paul II decided to convoke the Eleventh Ordinary General Assembly to treat the topic of the Eucharist. That the Pope’s choice came briefly after the publication of his encyclical on the same subject deserves attention. This synodal assembly is convoked to provide the Pope with the pastoral reflections of the world’s bishops on a subject vital to the life and mission of the Church.
The Lineamenta, composed by the Tenth Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat with the assistance of theologians, was sent to the episcopal conferences, the Eastern Churches sui iuris, the heads of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Union of Superiors General and other concerned parties on 31 March 2004. At a subsequent meeting the Council analyzed the responses to the questions in the Lineamenta and, again with the help of experts, drafted the Instrumentum Laboris, which was made public on 7 July 2005. During the synodal Assembly, this document will serve as the point of reference in treating an important topic for the life and mission of the Church.

[00003-02.03] [NNNNN] [Original text: English]

♦ PRAYERS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE SYNOD

Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father has commanded us to listen as his beloved Son, shed your light upon your Church, so that she might have nothing more holy than to listen to your voice and follow you. You are the Supreme Shepherd and Ruler of Souls. Look then upon the Pastors of your Church gathered in these days with the Successor of St. Peter in synod assembly. We implore you to sanctify them in truth and confirm them in faith and love.

Lord Jesus Christ, send forth your Spirit of love and truth on the bishops in synod and on all who assist them in fulfilling their task. Make them more faithful to what the Spirit is saying to the Churches; stir their souls and teach them truth by that same Holy Spirit. Through their work, may the faithful of their Churches be purified and strengthened in spirit, so that they might greater follow the Gospel through which you accomplished salvation and they might make of themselves a living offering to the heavenly Father.

May Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God and Mother of the Church, assist the Bishops in these days, as she assisted the Apostles in the Upper Room, and intercede with motherly affection to foster brotherly communion among them, to allow them to rejoice in prosperity and peace in the calmness of these days, and, in reading the signs of the times, to celebrate the majesty of the merciful God, the Lord of History, to the praise and glory of the Most Blessed Trinity, Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

[00016-02.06] [NNNNN] [Original text: Latin]

♦ THE SYNOD CHAPEL

The design and furnishings of the synod chapel are meant to communicate and celebrate the theological concepts of communion and collegiality underlying the Synod of Bishops which meets in assembly, cum Petro et sub Petro. Therefore, the episcopal college figures greatly in the artistic design and appointments of the chapel, drawing particular inspiration from two major Biblical passages, Acts 2:1-4 and John 20:19-29, which both treat the bestowal of the Holy Spirit on the apostles gathered together.
Though the Church was mystically begotten at the crucifixion of Christ, coming forth, as St. Augustine mentions, like the new Eve from the side of the New Adam, the Church has consistently taught that the Church’s initial venture into the world was accomplished on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended in tongues of fire upon the apostles, gathered with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in the Upper Room or Cenacle. Since this is a particularly powerful event in the life of the episcopal college as a group, and thereby the Church, the design of the chapel wishes to re-create visually the experience of Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:1-4).
The oval stained glass window in the ceiling portrays the Holy Spirit as a dove on a triangular golden field to recall the Blessed Trinity, the source of communion in the episcopate and in the Church as a whole. The movement of the glass in various tones of red, yellow and orange highlights the outpouring of the Spirit in tongues of fire which made the apostles eloquent witnesses to Christ. Fire’s property of light and heat also corresponds to enlightenment (wisdom) and strength (zeal), elements which characterised the mission of Peter and the apostles. The Holy Spirit continues as the dynamic force in the pastoral mission of the Pope and the episcopal college, particularly in the celebration of the synod.
According to Biblical evidence, the Cenacle or Upper Room, the site of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as seen above, was also the room in which Jesus celebrated the Passover meal at which he instituted the Sacraments of the Priesthood and the Eucharist. The setting of the Cenacle, therefore, becomes symbolic not only of the shared episcopal dignity but the principle of its unity. These concepts of communion and collegiality are communicated in the furnishings positioned directly beneath the Holy Spirit window: a central kneeler recalls the Holy Father, Successor of St. Peter, surrounded by benches and kneelers to symbolize the eleven remaining apostles. The configuration of the chairs in an oval as opposed to a standard consecutive “line-up” of benches or chairs, beginning at the entrance and sweeping towards the front of the chapel, assists in highlighting the unitive action of the college gathered “in and around Peter.” At the same time, all - including the spectator - are drawn to the altar and tabernacle towards an encounter with the mystical Christ, present in the Eucharist, who, in the Easter apparition to the episcopal college, recorded by St. John, stands in the midst of the college, and “breathes forth” or imparts his Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 20: 19-29), giving them authority and power as bishops. The two bronze statues of Sts. Peter and Paul, in the niches at the rear of the chapel, are symbolic of the universality of the Church and the vocation of the episcopate.
The above theme is reinforced in the artwork on the glass door at the chapel’s entrance: a central mitre bearing the apostolic keys to signify Peter, surrounded by eleven mitres, as if to announce the chapel’s theme. The mitres are drawn together in a circle to indicate their unity as a college through the gift of Trinitarian communion.
To continue the theme of the collegiality and communion of the apostolic college, the altar is suggestive of the prow of a boat, turning up waves. The New Testament contains many passages in which a boat provides the setting for significant experiences for the apostles as a group or college.
- After Jesus calms the winds and the sea, the apostles, gathered in a boat, first receive the revelation that Jesus is more than a mere man. They marvel, “Who then is this, that he commands even wind and water, and sea obey him?” (cf. Matt 8:23-27; Lk 8:22-25: Mk 4:37-41).
- Jesus has the apostles get into a boat so that he can be alone with them to teach them (cf. Mk 6:32).
- Following the multiplication of the loaves and fish, Jesus sends the apostles out in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. Even though the Lord spends the night in prayer on the hilltop, the apostles are never out of his sight. As a storm arises, Jesus approaches them walking on the water with the words, “It is I; do not be afraid.” After they take him into the boat, it immediately reaches land and the apostles remain perplexed, because - as Mark recounts - they did not understand the significance of the multiplication of the loaves and fish (cf. Jn 6:16-21; Matt 14: 22-27; Mk 6:45).
The boat has special meaning not just for the apostolic college but for the person of Peter.
- In the series of Easter apparitions, it is from Peter’s boat that the apostles (Peter, James, John, Thomas, Bartholomew, and two others), after catching a huge draught of fish, recognize the Risen Christ along the seashore (cf. Jn 21:1-8).
- Jesus preaches from a boat, presumably Peter’s, to the crowd of people on the shore (cf. Matt 13:2; Mk 3:9; 4:1).
- Peter’s faith is confirmed by Christ, in front of the other apostles, after Christ bids him to walk towards Him on the water. In the wake of this incident, the apostles worship the Lord and exclaim, “Truly you are the Son of God” (cf. Matt 14:28-33).
- In another post-Resurrection episode, it is from Peter’s boat that the apostles lower their nets, at Jesus’ request, and catch the miraculous draught of fish. Peter then is the one who drags the net ashore full of fish (cf. Jn 21: 4-11), symbolic of the Church.
In addition to the above associations, a boat also has Eucharistic significance in relation to the apostolic college and thus reinforces the use of this symbol as the base of the altar of reservation of the Blessed Sacrament.
- After the multiplication of the loaves and fish, Jesus sets out with his apostles in a boat, during which he relates his discourse “on the leaven of the Pharisees”(Matt 16: 5-12; Mk 8:14).
- A particularly significant biblical reference to the Eucharist comes from Mark’s gospel. Following the multiplication of the loaves and fish, a prefigurement of the Eucharist, the scriptures say that the apostles did not bring any bread with them, just “one loaf” (cf. Mk 8:14). The implication is that Jesus is the “one loaf” or Bread from heaven. In this instance, Jesus seeks to draw out of them the meaning of the miracle of the loaves and fish as well as his words and teaching on the Eucharist at this miraculous event.
The boat is also used as the symbol of the entire Church, oftentimes referred to as the “Bark of Peter.” In this sense, the crucifix conveniently completes the mast to Peter’s humble fishing boat. The movement of the sculpture, including the shroud-like pieces of cloth in the rear - a hearkening to the shroud and resurrection - is a further association with the work of the Holy Spirit, who provides the “wind” for the sails of Peter’s Bark, always moving the Church ahead in time towards the Lord, in fulfilment of the promise.
The simple bronze tabernacle bears the customary shafts of wheat and grapes for the Eucharist. Fish, indicative of Peter the fisherman and the mission of the apostles as “fishers of men” (Matt 4:19; Mk 1:17) are also on the tabernacle, candlesticks and sanctuary lamp. The fish is also the ancient symbol of Christ, drawn by using the Greek word, ΙΧΘγΣ, meaning fish, as an acronym for the phrase: “Jesus Christ, Son of God Saviour”.
The Stations of the Cross, crafted in mother-of-pearl in Palestine, recall the following of Christ, the vocation which the bishops share with every Christian in the Church.
The Marian statue, entitled Our Lady of Hope, is reminiscent of Our Lady’s presence with the Apostles gathered in prayer in the Cenacle. She extends her hand to marvel at the wonder of God’s grace, to welcome the flame of the love of the Holy Spirit and to allow it to bear fruit. As true handmaiden and servant of the Lord and His Gospel and image of the Church who mystically brings forth children, Mary is the Mother of the Apostles and their successors. In effect, the apostles, gathered around Mary in the Upper Room, look at her as if into a mirror, a mirror in which they see themselves as Church, the “Bride of Christ”.

[00006-02.04] [NNNNN] [Original text: English]

♦ NOTICES

● PRESS CONFERENCE
● BRIEFING
● POOLS
● BULLETIN SYNODUS EPISCOPORUM
● OPENING HOURS OF THE PRESS OFFICE OF THE HOLY SEE

● PRESS CONFERENCE

The first Press Conference on the Synod works (with simultaneous translation in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German) will be held in the John Paul II Conference Hall in the Holy See Press office on Monday 3 October 2005 at about 12.45 pm.

For the access permit, audio-visual operators (cameramen and technicians) and photoreporters are requested to apply to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

The names of the participants will be communicated as early as possible.

The next Press Conferences will be held on:

Thursday, 13 October 2005 (the day after the Relatio post disceptationem)
Saturday, 22 October 2005 (the day after the presentation of the Elenchus finalis)

● BRIEFING

In order to provide more accurate information on the work of the Synod, 5 language groups have been organized for the accredited journalists.

The location of the briefings and the name of the Press Attaché for each of the language groups are as follows:

Italian language group
Press Attaché: Rev. Giorgio Costantino
Location: Journalists’ Room,Holy See Press Office

English language group
Press Attaché: Rev. Fr. John Bartunek, L.C.
Location: John Paul II Conference Hall, Holy See Press Office

French language group
Press Attaché: Rev. Fr. Pierre Gérard, S.I.
Location: Marconi Room, Vatican Radio, Palazzo Pio, 3 Piazza Pia

Spanish language group
Press Attaché: Mr. Isidoro Catala Marcos
Location: Telecommunications Room, Holy See Press Office

German language group
Press Attaché: Don Marcus Graulich, S.D.B.
Location: Pastoral Centre for German Pilgrims, 51 Via della Conciliazione

On the following days the Press Attachés will hold briefings at about 1.10 pm:

Tuesday, 4 October 2005
Wednesday, 5 October 2005
Thursday, 6 October 2005
Friday, 7 October 2005
Saturday, 8 October 2005
Monday, 10 October 2005
Tuesday, 11 October 2005
Wednesday, 12 October 2005
Saturday, 15 October 2005
Friday, 21 October 2005

On the following days the Press Attachés will be accompanied for the briefing by one of the Synod Fathers belonging to the same language group , at about 1.10 pm:

Tuesday, 18 October 2005 (after the presentation of the Elenchus unicus)

Any updates will be published as soon as possible.

● POOLS

Pools of accredited journalists will have access to the Synod Hall in general for the opening prayer of the morning General Congregations.

Registration lists for the pools will be made available to reporters at the Information Accreditation desk of the Holy See Press Office (to the right of the entrance hall).

For the pools, the photoreporters and TV operators are requested to apply to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

The Participants of the pools are requested to meet at 8.30 am in the Press Sector which is located outside, in front of the entrance to the Paul VI Hall. From there they will be accompanied at all times by an official of the Holy See Press Office (for reporters) and by an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications ( for photoreporters and TV camera teams). Suitable dress is required.

● BULLETIN SYNODUS EPISCOPORUM

The Bulletin of the Commission for information of the XI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops entitled Synodus Episcoporum, published by the Holy See Press Office, will be issued in 6 language editions (plurilingual,Italian, English, French, Spanish and German), with 2 issues each day (morning and afternoon) or as required.

The morning issue will be published at the conclusion of the morning General Congregation, and the afternoon issue the following morning.

Distribution to accredited journalists will take place in the Journalists’ Room of the Holy See Press Office.

The plurilingual edition will contain summaries of the interventions by Synod Fathers, as prepared by themselves in their own languages. The other 5 editions will report the respective versions in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German..

The third issue of the Bulletin will contain the Holy Father’s Homily for the solemn opening concelebration on the morning of Sunday 2 October 2005 (it will be available to accredited journalists when the Holy See Press Office opens, under embargo).

The fourth issue of the Bulletin will contain the reports which will be presented in the First General Congregation of the morning of Monday 3 October (which will be broadcast live on TV in the Holy See Press Office).

The language editions of the Bulletin will also be available on the Holy See internet site: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/press/sinodo/sinodo_index_it.htm

Please note that the Bulletin of the Synod of Bishops is only a working instrument for journalistic use and that the translations from the original are not official. ● OPENING HOURS OF THE HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE

Saturday 1 October: 09.00 - 14.00
Sunday 2 October: 09.00 - 13.00
From Monday 3 October to Saturday 8 October: 09.00 - 16.00
Sunday 9October: 09.00 - 13.00
From Monday 10 October to Friday 14 October: 09.00 - 16.00
Saturday 15 October : 09.00 - 18.30
Sunday16 October: 09.00 - 13.00
From Monday 17 October to Saturday 22 October: 09.00 - 16.00
Sunday 23 October: 09.00 - 13.00
From Monday 24 October to Friday 28 October: 09.00 - 15.00
Saturday 29 October: 09.00 - 14.00
Sunday 30 October: 11.00 - 13.00
Monday 31 October: 09.00 - 15.00

Any updates will be published as soon as possible.

Return to:

- Index Bulletin Synodus Episcoporum - XI Ordinary General Assembly - 2005
  [Plurilingual, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish]

- Index Holy See Press Office
  [English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish]