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22 - 14.10.2005
SUMMARY
♦ WORKING GROUPS: SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH SESSIONS
♦ SEVENTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION (FRIDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2005 -
AFTERNOON)
♦ NOTICES
♦ WORKING GROUPS: SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH SESSIONS
Yesterday, Thursday 13 and today, Friday 14 October 2005 continued
the works of the Working Groups. Present 238 Fathers in the Second
Session, 235 in the Third and 236 in the Fourth.
The first phase of the works of the Working Groups (with the
discussion on the main points needing further in-depth study,
offered by the Report after the discussion) concluded with the
approval of the Reports of the Working Groups, which the Relators of
the Working Groups presented in the Seventeenth General Congregation
of this afternoon 14 October 2005.
♦ SEVENTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION (FRIDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2005 -
AFTERNOON)
● REPORTS OF THE WORKING GROUPS
● VOTING FOR THE COUNCIL (I)
At 4:30 p.m., in optional remembrance of St. Callisto I, Pope and
Martyr, in the presence of the Holy Father, with the prayer Actiones
nostras qæsumus Domine aspirando præveni et adiuvando prosequere ut
cuncta nostra oratio et operatio a te semper incipiat et per te
coepta finiatur (Inspire, we beg You, Lord, our actions and
accompany them, so that all our prayers and work always begins with
You and through You we have fulfillment), began the Seventeenth
General Congregation, with the reading in the Hall of the Reports of
the Working Groups. In addition, there was the first voting for the
election of the post-synodal Council.
The President Delegate on duty was H.Em. Card. Francis ARINZE,
Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of
the Sacraments.
This General Congregation Generale ended at 7:00 p.m. with the
prayer Angelus Domini. 233 Fathers were present.
● REPORTS OF THE WORKING GROUPS
Fruit of the discussion of the Working Groups are the Reports
compiled as a collection of opinions of the majority and minority,
who transparently express the converging and non converging
opinions, if any. These reports which have been submitted for the
approval of the Working Groups to collect all the suggestions and
reflections of the members of each Group thus form a faithful
projection of the opinions of the majority as well as any minority.
These reports are very important since they are the most evident
expression of the thought of the Synodal Fathers involved in the
discussion of the Groups and also contain on a life line the
elements for the general consensus of the Synod itself. All the
reports considered on as a whole represent in some way the first
summary of the synodal work.
In the Seventeenth General Congregation of this afternoon, were
read, according to the order of presentation of the request of the
intervention, the Reports of the Working Groups, prepared by the
Relators of the Working Groups:
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ANGLICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Donald William WUERL, Bishop of Pittsburgh (U.S.A)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP HISPANICUS A: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
José María ARANCIBIA, Archbishop of Mendoza (Argentina)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ANGLICUS C: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Seán Baptist BRADY, Archbishop of Armagh, President of the Episcopal
Conference (Ireland)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP HISPANICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Alberto GIRALDO JARAMILLO, P.S.S., Archbishop of Medellín (Colombia)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ANGLICUS A:S.E.R. H.Exc. Most. Rev.
Msg. Diarmuid MARTIN, Archbishop of Dublin (Ireland)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GALLICUS C: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Paul-André DUROCHER, Bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall (Canada)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP HISPANICUS C: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Juan Francisco SARASTI JARAMILLO, C.I.M., Archbishop of Cali
(Colombia)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GERMANICUS: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Gerhard Ludwig MÜLLER, Bishop of Regensburg (Germany)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GALLICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Robert LE GALL, O.S.B., Bishop of Mende (France)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ITALICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Renato CORTI, Bishop of Novara (Italy)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GALLICUS A A: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Alain HAREL, Titular Bishop of Forconio, Apostolic Vicar of
Rodrigues (MAURITIUS)
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ITALICUS A: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Francesco CACUCCI, Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto (Italy)
We publish
below the summaries of the Reports of the Working Groups presented
in the Seventeenth General Congregation:
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ANGLICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Donald William WUERL, Bishop of Pittsburgh (U.S.A)
We recognize that we are essentially a faith community whose members
believe in the Lord Jesus and thus we have an identity that is ours
in and through the Church which itself is rooted in the Eucharist.
For this reason we take very seriously our need and duty to pass on
our witness to Christ and our understanding of the Mystery of Divine
Revelation.
In discussing the need to celebrate the Eucharist in the
circumstances of our day, we recognize a number of values at issue.
First and most significant is the fact that the Eucharist is
essential to the Church. It forms the source and summit of her life
and mission. Yet we must also take into account the seriousness of
the shortage of priests in so many parts of the world. We also
recognize the place of married clergy in the Eastern Churches.
Our discussion highlighted that celibacy is not the principal and
certainly not the sole reason for this shortage. In fact the culture
of today is in crisis in a number of other areas including the
nature, duration and vitality of marriage. The lack of lifelong
commitment seems to be a fundamental "leit motif' throughout our
reflections on much of modem life.
The shortage of priests is expressed in many ways. We recognize the
existence of scattered small faith communities and the almost
impossibility of providing the Eucharist for them on any regular
short-term basis. Even in areas where there are larger closely
clustered faith communities there is a stress on the availability of
priests. In the light of this actual situation the question becomes
are there alternative measures.
In looking at the situation we must now provide some observations on
how to deal with it. A number of reflections surfaced. First was the
obvious need to encourage vocations to priestly ministry. An
indigenous clergy is the expected result of the Church's presence in
a region. However, local churches should be open to sharing priests.
Just as in the early apostolic days and throughout her history, the
Church has encouraged a missionary spirit that enriches life and
outreach.
Under the term "solidarity of personnel" falls the matter of sharing
priests, of providing in a just manner for the support of priests as
they move from area to area.
The permanent diaconate offers some assistance. It needs to be
developed to meet today's needs, especially in relieving the priest
of many administrative, educational and service ministries.
Finally we faced the issue of Eucharistic Services that now often
take the place of Mass. We highlighted the theological reality of
the Paschal Mystery as completely and qualitatively distinct from
any other religious service employed in the absence of a priest and
the imperative that this distinction not be blurred.
Our reflections reinforced the need to find some more clearly
definable religious service in place of the Mass where this is
necessary. We also appreciated that in some areas this has been done
in creative and helpful ways.
The liturgies of the Eastern Churches were recognized for their
sense of sacredness as we attempt to find the proper balance in
liturgy between the sense of action involving us, the so-called
horizontal dimension, and the action that bring our attention to
God, the vertical dimension.
We concluded that programs for priests, deacons and the laity on
good liturgy are not only helpful but necessary. The involvement of
well-prepared laity and parish liturgical formation programs was
encouraged.
Finally we supported the concept of a sense of stability in the
liturgy so that the false impression is not created that everything
involved in worship is either in flux or depends on individual
personality.
When we turned our attention to the criteria for correct
inculturation we were aware of the documents encouraging and guiding
it such as “Ecclesia in Africa”, “Ecclesia in Asia”, and “Ecclesia
in Oceania”. We encourage their implementation.
In conclusion, we express appreciation for the role of contemplative
communities of women and men who quietly bear witness to the
transcendent realm made present to us in the Eucharist.
[00316-02.04] [CM001] [Original text: English]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP HISPANICUS A: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
José María ARANCIBIA, Archbishop of Mendoza (Argentina)
The Working group has shared, first of all, the for hunger for
material bread and the hunger for God, in today’s world. A deep
need, earthly and divine, related to the Eucharist. We live a
secularized culture. Nonetheless, the mystery of the Redeeming
Incarnation and of the Eucharist invite us to put our complete trust
in a God committed to human history.
We are grateful to the liturgical reform fostered by the 2nd Vatican
Council. Under its guidance, we should continue renewing out
evangelizing celebrative and pastoral process.It hurts us that the
Eucharist, an immense gift of love from God, should not be know,
valued and well celebrated, and thereby to give abundant fruits of
eternal life. We are seriously worried that, due to the lack of
priests, so many communities should be unable to celebrate the
Eucharist on Sundays. But we wish to thank and to encourage priests,
who with generous efforts offer the Eucharist in such places. We
feel even more obliged to accompany them. We also thank the deacons
and the lay faithful who help them, even taking the Word and
Communion to places where they do not regularly go.
We are aware of the need to increase and deepen the catechesis at
all levels, as an authentic mystagogy for the initiation sacraments,
closely inter-linked. In such a sense, we proposed to renew and
deepen the contents of catechesis, incorporating the families with
their children, and also reviewing the material, in order to
introduce the people of God into all the rich and multiple
dimensions of the Eucharistic mystery. Furthermore, it is necessary
to offer a systematic catechesis for adults.
The Sunday celebration, as the day of the Lord, has to call the
faithful to the Holy Mass, not only as a precept, but also as a true
demand of Christian life. For an active and fruitful celebration, it
will be necessary to wait for the proclamation of the Word, followed
by prepared homilies; to the sense of the signs and gestures charged
with deep meaning, as to the richness of the texts used by the
ecclesial tradition. The community is dismissed on every Sunday
Mass, with a missionary mandate, which should provoke its apostolic
conscience, its commitment to life and its duty to committed
charity.
The renewing strength of Easter, and therefore of each Eucharist, is
not only celebrated for personal benefit of each participant. But
that the conversion and eternal life which grow in the heart, should
move to share and to imitate the same merciful love of God. Thus,
conscious of the needs, crises and conflicts of today’s world, we
are encouraged to trust in the fruits of personal and communal
renewal which stem from the Eucharist. On eating the Body and
drinking the Blood of the Lord, which gives them new life, the
faithful necessarily grow also in social commitment, to defend human
life, family values, justice, solidarity and peace.
We have furthermore dealt with the complex topic of inculturation,
moved by the preoccupation to foster the fruitful participation of
all faiths, according to the various cultures. We desire fervently
that the Episcopal Conferences continue to work in this sense,
guided by the recent guidelines of the Church herself
[00317-02.03] [CM002] [Original text: Spanish]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ANGLICUS C: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Seán Baptist BRADY, Archbishop of Armagh, President of the Episcopal
Conference (Ireland)
The group agreed that the Relatio post Disceptationem had provided
an excellent sunimary of the debates that had taken place in the
Aula.
The members of Circulus Anglicus 'c' agreed that achieving a better
formation in Eucharistic faith within the Church could be addressed
in a number of ways including updating catechetical texts in the
light of recent Church teaching on the Eucharist and presenting a
systematic and integrated presentation of the doctrine of the Church
on the Real Presence.
It was agreed that study of the history of religious art and
architecture by priests, seminarians and committed lay people would
enrich catechesis and reawaken the capacity for symbolic thought,
basic to sacramental mystagogy.
Similarly, it was agreed that the formation of celebrants and
participants in the Ars Celebrandi is essential for a renewed and
deepened understanding of the Eucharistic mystery and that this
should include formation in the more frequent use of silence in the
liturgy.
On the other hand, the frequency with which the issue of
inculturation had been raised in the Aula was noted and it was
agreed that this matter needs to be addressed more comprehensively
and more precisely by the Synod. We proposed the following criteria:
● The unity of the celebration must be preserved;
● The celebration must be in conformity with the deposit of faith;
● It should be conducive to prayer and adoration;
● It should be an expression of reverence in conformity with
“Varietates Legitimae” (1994) and the General Introduction to the
Roman Missal.
This also gave rise to an important discussion about how to develop
the link between Mass and daily life, including providing a more
accurate translation of Ite Missa Est. It was agreed that it was
important to indicate that the mission is a consequence of
participation in the Eucharist and to elaborate, in very practical
terms, on the implications of participation in the Eucharist for
important social issues such as justice, solidarity, reconciliation,
forgiveness and peace. We also ask the Congregation for Divine
Worship to reconsider removing the sign of peace from before Holy
Communion and placing it before the offertory of the Mass.
It was agreed that the power of the Eucharist to transform
individual lives and social realities, however, was intimately
linked to an adequate understanding of the Real Presence and a
renewed emphasis on the practice of adoration of our Eucharistic
Lord as a prolongation of the spiritual communion with Christ in His
self-offering to the Father. It was noted that veneration and
adoration, in turn, lead to the celebration of the Eucharist in a
spirit of praise and thanksgiving for this immense gift.
Critical to making this immense gift of our Eucharistic Lord
available to the faithful, however, is the role of the Priest. There
was strong endorsement of the proposal that the Synod would
acknowledge with gratitude the indispensable ministry of priests as
preachers of the Word, celebrants of the Eucharist and leaders of
the Christian community.
It was also agreed that the Synod should provide support to priests
in their proclamation of the Word of God, by way of thematic
homilies proposed, not imposed, in a three year cycle, soundly based
on Scripture, theology and liturgical texts. It was also proposed
that the readings from Sacred Scripture in the Sacred Liturgy be
reviewed and consideration be given to the use of modem means of
communication.
The question of Ecumenical relations in the matter of Eucharistic
hospitality was also discussed. Our group is proposing that a
thorough study be made in regard to the Catholic practice of
Eucharistic hospitality in order to help local Churches overcome the
confusion that currently exists among clergy and faithful.
The group asks that the question of restoring the original order of
the Sacraments of Initiation, which would give the Eucharist its
rightful place as the completion of Christian Initiation, may be
studied further.
The group urges the Synod to give strong emphasis to the celebration
of Sunday Mass and the importance for the community of gathering
together in faith and to include a clear reference to the Sabbath
rest after God's work of creation.
As regards Masses for small groups, the following criteria are being
proposed:
● They must serve to unify the Parish and not fragment the Parish
community;
● They should respect the needs of the particular group and favour
fruitful participation of the people involved and;
● Preserve the unity of the family.
It is proposed that those who suffer from disability be recognised
as full members of the Church and be helped to take their rightful
place in the liturgical life of the Church. For this to happen the
architecture of Churches should be made friendly to them, they
should be actively included in celebrations, as we keep in mind the
teaching of Pope John Paul II on the value of suffering.
Our group believes that the Christian people will be drawn into a
full, active and fruitful sharing in the Eucharist when the desire
of the heart is drawn to the Eucharist and finds its delight there.
We urge that conditions be created where the truth, blessedness and
holiness of Christ, which alone delight the heart fully, should
shine forth in all their splendour in Eucharistic celebrations.
[00323-02.04] [CM003] [Original text: English]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP HISPANICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Alberto GIRALDO JARAMILLO, P.S.S., Archbishop of Medellín (Colombia)
The Group Hispanicus B had as moderator, H.Em. Card. Jorge Mario
Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and as relator, H. Exc. Most
Rev. Msg. Alberto Giraldo, Archbishop of Medellín. The group judged
it important to begin with the topic: the Eucharist and the Life of
the Priest. From the Synod should come out a voice of admiration and
encouragement to all the brother priests who throughout the world
make the Eucharist possible and who direct their existence based
upon an authentic Eucharistic spirituality.The members elaborated 27
propositions which can be encompassed in these 10 headings.
1.- That there should be given support guidelines to priests so that
celebartions should express the awareness of performing, under the
effect of the Holy Spirit. In this way will they ensure the presence
of Christ in the Eucharist, with all the richness of His Redeeming
Work.
2.- That every Bishop should give all the importance to the
formation of semarists, accompanying them and their teachers.
Special care and attention has to be given to the selection and
formation of the candidates to live the carism of celibacy.
3.- That the dignified celebration in the Cathedral, in parishes and
the various churches of the Diocese should be assured, as also that
the faithful can visit the Holy Sacrament at various times in the
day.
4.- There should be organized in the Diocese a highly structured
vocational pastoral care service, which starts from prayer for
vocations and that has the support of the families, the priests and
the seminarists.
5.- Special attention should be paid to the sick in such a way that
one guarantees the Eucharist, food for immortality for them. The
Eucharist will be inexhaustible source of of a culture of life.
6.- There should be offered a special company to those who have
formed their families based on the sacrament of matrimony. Expecting
the difficult situation of those who have suffered the breaking-off
pains of separation, one will attempt to reach them with a
compasionate attitude, so that one may offer them a guidance and
support to permit them to clarify their situation with a suitable
canonical process.
7.- There should be a renewed pastoral care of the sacrament of
Reconciliation...
8.- As fruit of the Eucharist, there should be sought a pedagogy so
that the faithful may come o encounter the Risen lord in the Sunday
Mass.
9.- That we should succeed in finding suitable catechistic ways for
the priests and the faithful to understand the presence of Mary in
every Eucharistic celebration.
10.- That we should succeed in seeing that, if the Eucharist is a
gift, it is our pastoral duty to bring people close to this
sacrament, offering them help for a worthy receiving of the Lord.
[00318-02.04] [CM004] [Original text: Spanish]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ANGLICUS A: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Diarmuid MARTIN, Archbishop of Dublin (Ireland)
In speaking on devotion to the Eucharist, it was recognised that the
Eucharistic action of the Sacrifice of the Mass is the Church's
greatest act of adoration. Eucharistic adoration outside Mass should
spring from and lead back to the Eucharistic action. Eucharistic
adoration, considered as a reemerging sign of the times, can greatly
sustain the holiness of individuals and communities.
The group expressed particular appreciation, affirmation and
encouragement to priests for their fidelity in the ministry of the
Eucharist. Speaking of the Ars Celebrandi it was stressed that what
is involved is not some type of choreography of the liturgical rite
but a way of entering into the Mystery of the Eucharist and a
longing to enter into communion with God, through the Paschal
mystery.
Much attention was given to reflection on the Liturgy of the Word.
It was suggested that a listing of thematic homilies be prepared to
cover the basic Mysteries of Salvation with appropriate references
to the Lectionary, the Fathers of the Church and the Catechism of
the Catholic Church.
The group stressed the need to develop a lay Eucharistic
spirituality. It was also suggested that a "Eucharistic Companion"
be drawn up with doctrinal, catechetical and devotional contents for
the benefits of the faithful.
The group stressed the bonds between Eucharist and the Sacrament of
Penance, especially as many have lost the sense of sin.
The acute shortage of priests in some areas is a matter of anguish
to the entire Church. In the absence of priests, the group
emphasised the value of the liturgy of the Word as sustenance for
those who are deprived of access to the Eucharist.
In certain parts of the world the drop in the numbers participating
regularly Sunday Mass is a source of great concern.
The "eclipse of faith" among many will only however be overcome and
reversed through personal conversion.
[00319-02.04] [CM005] [Original text: English]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GALLICUS C: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Paul-André DUROCHER, Bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall (Canada)
We have decided to follow the questions put forward by the Relator
General at the end of the
report after the discussion. The group relator took note of the
different propositions put forward as they came along during the
discussion and prepared a list which was discussed and adopted by
the group, so that each of the propositions, with some exceptions,
represented the consensus of the group not only in its content but
in its expression.
In addition, each of the Synodal Fathers was invited to prepare some
propositions which he was interested in order to complete our study
on the set of questions. This method of working allowed us to draw
up about seventy-five brief propositions which truly reflect the
thought of our working group.
Some points of discussion were able to draw our attention in a
special way. And here is a brief presentation with some pertinent
remarks.
Our attitude towards secularization must be more qualified. In fact,
there are seeds of the Word in our world of today. The Eucharist may
meet the thirsts and hope of our times.
As the sacrament of faith, the Eucharist should be studied further
in-depth by a mystagogical and initializing catechesis, based on the
study of the Word of God and focused on the risen Christ.
Faith celebrated in the Eucharist should also be lived on a daily
basis. The contemplation of the sacrifice of Christ to whom we are
called to be associated with could help us to make this unity of
faith and life. However, one should understand this sacrifice as a
mystery of love, a promise of life and a way of freedom.
The shortage of priests saddens us and we strongly feel the anguish
of many faithful who have no access to the sacraments due to this.
The idea to order viri probati has been discussed, but has not
reached majority approval. The group is unanimous in stating the
invaluable value of priestly celibacy for the Latin Church and
wishes to engage the Church in vocational pastoral care which is
even more energetic, positive and open to the gifts of God.
Moreover, we think that a better training for priests fidei donum
will help to gradually overcome this shortage.
We have quietly exchanged on several other issues: Eucharistic
adoration, ecumenism, social commitment which follows from the
Eucharist, the liturgy. The issue of the place of confirmation in
the initiation sacraments has aroused several debates, but we agree
to state that, whatever the option held by the episcopal conferences
on this topic , the Eucharist should always be perceived as the
summit of Christian initiation. One should also have to find the
relationship between baptism and reconciliation in this same
perspective.
Lastly, the following drew our attention: Sundays as the day of our
Lord; a delicate situation for people in irregular marriage
situations, in particular in southern countries where polygamy,
inter-religious marriages and traditional marriages present very
serious cases of pastoral challenges; inculturation of rites which
is urgent; and the commitment of Catholics for justice, a commitment
which verifies the depth of true Eucharistic spirituality.
We have been blessed by the presence in our group of bishops coming
from America, Europe, Africa and Asia, and likewise from oriental
traditions. This diversity has been for us a source of discovery and
wisdom, revealing to us the depth of unity of this faith which we
share. Also for this reason, our prayer is “Eucharistic”.
[00320-02.08] [CM006] [Original text: French]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP HISPANICUS C: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Juan Francisco SARASTI JARAMILLO, C.I.M., Archbishop of Cali
(Colombia)
The group was formed of 19 Synodal Fathers and had the presence of
two Auditors, two Collaborators and two Assistants.
After the reading of sixteen questions pointed out by the Relator
General and its convenient division, grouping and integration, the
group chose by vote the arguments that were considered of greater
interest. In the light of the preferences expressed, one went on to
the discussion of some of them. Later, the Fathers were asked to
draw up propositions,in particular starting from their interventions
in the Hall, the ones presented yesterday afternoon, in a general
way, then discussed and approved in detail this morning.
As a result of all this work, carried out with great diligence and
in an extremely fraternal atmosphere and of love for the Church, 24
proposals emerged.
[00322-02.04] [CM007] [Original text: Spanish]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GERMANICUS: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Gerhard Ludwig MÜLLER, Bishop of Regensburg (Germany)
The presentation of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the
life and mission of the Church remains the task of theology,
spirituality and pastoral care.
The lack of understanding of the liturgy and its practice can only
be overcome by a positive and attracting orientation towards Jesus
Christ. For He is “the real Light, that gives light to everyone” (Jn
1:9).
However, Christians in Western civilization are surrounded by the
secularization of the conscience. This can lead to banalizing the
real Christian truths and to the profanation of the liturgy and the
way of life. Often, there is a discrepancy between the catechism one
has in mind and the temptations and the pressures of an imposition
of collective life, only in the internal world. Therefore the
consequences of this can be indifference, but even aggressions
towards the doctrines and the morals of the Church, in appearance
strange to the world and hostile to life.
However, there is a hunger for justice and for an authentic life in
freedom and in love.
Thus, the question arises in the whole world as to how one can
transmit the proposing of oneself, by God, as light and love for all
men, in their contemporary situations of daily life and with the
constant presence of a certain spirit of secular time in mass
communication.
How can the Church, as meant in Gaudium et spes (No. 10), welcome,
divide and formulate the worries and the needs of today’s man and,
at the same time, today, bear witness to Christ as the answer to the
fundamental existential demands of man?
It is possible for us to expect an authentic renewal by Christians,
the religious and the lay persons, especially the young committed
Christians, allowing themselves to be attracted to Christ, who live
in the love of Eucharistic Christ and are willing to accept a way of
living Christian matrimony and life according to the evangelical
counsels, to which they have been called by the Holy Spirit to build
the Church with different charisms. We are not talking about number
here, rather than about quality.
The best that can be done for faith in the Eucharist in the thinking
and life of Christians is to live of the Eucharist.
“Now while Jesus was with them at table, He took the bread and said
the blessing, then He broke it and handed it to them” (cf. Lk
24:31).
[00321-02.02] [CM008] [Original text: German]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GALLICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Robert LE GALL, O.S.B., Bishop of Mende (France)
Summary of the report not received before the closure of the
Bulletin.
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ITALICUS B: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Renato CORTI, Bishop of Novara (Italy)
It would seem positive to favour two questions: one concerning the
education to Eucharistic faith and one relative to missionary
commitment, which we are called to cultivate through the Eucharistic
celebration. After having elaborated two propositiones on these
points, we went on to some other themes in some way connected to the
first two This is how the group confronted the theme of Sunday, on
the Priest and on the celebration “awaiting a Priest”, Christian
initiation, the promotion of welcoming pastoral care in favour of
persons living an irregular matrimonial situation.
The propositiones related to the commitment to teach the Christian
people about Eucharistic faith have, above all, expressed certain
proposals concerning the question: “Who teaches?” “How to teach?”
Those concerning the Eucharist, the source of mission have
considered what should be deeply assimilated so that this can
happen, have indicated some paths of missionary education through
the Eucharist and have mentioned some difficulties present today. As
for the theme of educating the faithful to the centrality of Sunday
Eucharistic celebrations, the discussion lead to dedicating ample
space to Sunday, understood as the "Dies Christi" and as the "Dies
hominis". It touched upon the theme of the Eucharist , especially
considering Sunday as the "Dies Ecclesiae". The urgency to offer the
Eucharistic gift to all faithful urged this group to answer in a
concrete way by indicating the many attentions which must
characterize the life of our communities. Then, the group made some
reflections on the Sunday celebration “awaiting a Priest”. As for
Christian initiation, some observations on the relationship between
the following were made: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
The group also reflected on the experience that should be proposed
to who comes to the Sacraments and how to give all of this the form
of an itinerary, and rather of a mystagogy. As for the pastoral care
in favour of those in an irregular matrimonial situation, the
reflection considered the time, first of all, that precedes
Matrimony, referring to the education of the young people and to
pre-matrimonial courses, then the condition often full of solitude
lived within the families, seeing the urgency for direct contact
with the families in our parishes; finally, the group considered the
specific situation of those living an irregular matrimonial
situation, attempting to indicate some possible answers so that
these people feel like they are being welcomed, entrusting
themselves to the Lord and achieving concrete steps in the light of
the Gospel.
The presence in the group of members coming from various parts of
the world certainly widened the horizons. This probably allowed
taking into consideration all the elements characteristic to the
various theological, liturgical and pastoral traditions. And at the
same time, even if in a limited way, the richness of each one was
taken into consideration with respect and the desire to learn.
Because of all of this, I feel that I can say that it was a fruitful
encounter.
[00324-02.04] [CM010] [Original text: Italian]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP GALLICUS A A: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Alain HAREL, Titular Bishop of Forconio, Apostolic Vicar of
Rodrigues (MAURITIUS)
As Bishops, we have the serious preoccupation that the Eucharist be
considered as truly the “source and summit” of the life of each
Christian and our different communities. How to discover Christ? How
to better lead the Christians to drink from this enlivening source?
We believe it is urgent to propose to the Christians the kerygma of
the Church, which enlightens and enlivens.
In this catechesis, the Word of God must have a central place. In
relationship to the spreading of sects, more than ever, we must help
Christians discover - rediscover - the Biblical foundations of the
Eucharist.
In the permanent formation of Christians, we must help them more to
make the bond with the two tables: the table of the Word and the
table of the Eucharist.
The Gospel is not an ideology but a living person! The mystery of
the Eucharist, tied to the discovery of the Word, leads us towards
the person of the risen Jesus. The family, “the domestic Church”, is
the privileged place where the children, from an early age, are
called upon to the initiation to this great mystery. On the other
hand, faith in Jesus, gift of the Spirit, can but blossom within the
Church-family of God, from where the importance of allowing,
particularly the young persons, to live a real ecclesial experience.
Communion in Christ opens us to communion and to the commitment
towards our brothers who are thirsty, who suffer, who are excluded.
Thus, our Eucharistic communities are prophetic signs within this
world, often torn by violence, injustice and so hungry for
reconciliation and peace.
Inasmuch as Bishops, we feel that we are called at all levels to
promote a pastoral practice of hospitality.
[00325-02.02] [CM011] [Original text: French]
- RELATION OF THE WORKING GROUP ITALICUS A: H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg.
Francesco CACUCCI, Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto (Italy)
15 Propositions have been formulated grouped into 4 sections.
In the first one Mysterium fidei: The Eucharist and the Church, the
implications of Eucharistic ecclesiology for the life of the Church
and ecumenism have been tackled. In the second section, related to
the proclaimed Mystery, the relationship between the Word of God and
the Eucharist has been deepened with the need for a mystagogical
journey. In the third one, the celebrated Mystery dignity and beauty
of the Eucharistic celebration have been studied further in depth.
The celebration of the Eucharist as a gift of God and as a right of
the faithul; the use of Latin and of the Gregorian chant in
international celebrations, to express unity and universality of the
Church; the shortage of priests and the hunger for bread of life as
an impulse towards renewed commitment for vocations and
collaboration between particular Churches for fairer distribution of
priests in the world; conditions of admission to the Eucharist in
the case of remarried divorcees; Sunday with its focus on the
celebration of the Eucharist; the importance of formation to sing
and music in the liturgy. Lastly in the fourth section there is the
Lived Mystery, in particular the need for charity and justice which
stem from the Eucharist, in particular in a globalized world marked
by very serious social and economic injustice and inequality and by
many persisting wars and conflicts; the impulse towards the mission
of the Gospel to all peoples and towards authentic lay spirituality
to be lived in daily life through the free gift of forgiveness of
sins and offences, which alone can generate peace; Eucharistic
Adoration as a preparation and expansion of the celebration of the
Holy Mass with the need for reverence before the Eucharistic Jesus
in the tabernacle.
[00326-02.02] [CM012] [Original text: Italian]
● VOTING FOR THE COUNCIL (I)
Then the first voting for the election of 12 members of the
post-synodal council took place.
♦ NOTICES
● SYNODAL WORKS
● BRIEFING FOR THE LANGUAGE GROUPS
● THIRD PRESS CONFERENCE
● OPENING OF THE PRESS OFFICE
● SYNODAL WORKS
Tomorrow morning, Saturday 15 October 2005 will take place the
Eighteenth General Congregation for the presentation of the first
draft of the Message and for the discussion of the Message.
Tomorrow afternoon, Saturday 15 October 2005 will take place the
Audience of the Supreme Pontiff for the children for their First
Communion The Bread from Heaven: a completely Eucharistic title
gives the name to the event which will bring into St. Peter’s Square
100,000 children for their First Communion, coming from all over the
world to meet Pope Benedict XVI.The Eucharistic meeting wanted by
the Holy Father has been included in the schedule of appointments
envisaged for the Year of the Eucharist. Pope Benedict XVI will join
the children in prayer and will help them on reflection with a
catechesis and answer their questions. At the end of the catechesis,
Adoration and Eucharistic Benediction will take place. The meeting
will begin at 6:00 p.m., and will be broadcast live in the Holy See
Press Office.
In the next few days will continue the work of unification of the
Propositions by the Relator General, the Special Secretary and the
Relators of the Working Groups, according to the Calendar for the
Synodal Works, published in Bulletin No. 2.
Monday 17 October 2005, at 11:00 a.m., at the Confession Altar in St
Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican there will be the Adoration of the
Eucharist presided by Pope Benedict XVI with the participation of
the Synod Fathers. The Celebration is open to everyone without any
need for passes. The opening hours of the Basilica are from 3:30
p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The Seventeenth General Congregation for the presentation of the
Integrated List of Propositions will take place on the morning of
Tuesday 18 October 2005.
The Working Groups will meet on Wednesday 19 October 2005, in the VI
and VII Session, for the preparation of the Amendments to the
Propositions, according to what has been scheduled in the Synodal
Working Calendar.
● BRIEFING FOR THE LANGUAGE GROUPS
The briefing for the working groups with the Press Officers (Don
Giorgio COSTANTINO, of the episcopal Conference of Calabria, for
Italian; Father John BARTUNEK, of the Legionaries of Christ, for
English; Padre Pierre GÉRARD, S.I., Centre for Spirituality, for
French; Mr. Isidoro CATELA MARCOS, Director of the office for
information of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, for Spanish; Don
Markus GRAULICH, S.D.B., for German) accompanied by a Synod
Father for each language, will take place on Tuesday 18 October 2005
at 12.30 p.m. (In the place indicated for briefings in Bulletin No.
2).
The following is a list with the names of the Synod fathers for each
language group.
Italian language group
H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg. Tadeusz KONDRUSIEWICZ
English language group
H. Em. Card. Peter Kodwo Appiah TURKSON
French language group
H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg. Laurent MONSENGWO PASINYA
Spanish language group
H. Em. Card. Francisco Javier ERRAZURIZ OSSA
German language group
H. Em. Card. Walter KASPER
The audio-visual operators (cameramen and technicians) are reminded
to apply to the Pontifical Council for Social Communication for
access permits (very restricted in number).
● THIRD PRESS CONFERENCE
Accredited journalists are informed that on Saturday 22 October
2005, at 12:15 p.m., in the John Paul II Conference Hall of the Holy
See Press Office, the Third Press Conference will be held on the
works of the XI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
(Elenchus finalis).
● H. Em. Card. George PELL
Archbishop of Sydney (Australia)
● H. Em. Card. Marc OUELLET, P.S.S.
Archbishop of Québec (Canada)
● H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg. Roland MINNERATH
Archbishop of Dijon (France)
Special Secretary
● H.Exc. Most. Rev. Msg. Salvatore FISICHELLA
, Titular Bishop of Voghenza
Auxiliary of Rome
Magnificent Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome
● OPENING HOURS OF THE PRESS ROOM
Friday 14 October: from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 15 October: from 9:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 16 October: from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday 17 October: ore 09.00 - 6:00 p.m.
From Tuesday 18 October to Saturday 22 October: From 9:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
Sunday 23 October: from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
From Monday 24 October to Friday 28 October: from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m.
Saturday 29 October: from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday 30 October: from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday 31 October: from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
