Last year, all churches from around the world were asked to participate in regional Synod input sessions. The summary of all those sessions were forwarded to their respective Archdioceses who in turn, submitted a summary report to the Vatican.
Pope Francis has appointed more than 450 participants, including dozens of religious men and women and laypeople from around the world, to attend the first general assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality which will open at the Vatican on October 04, 2023. The theme of the synod is: "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission," and synod members will be called upon to continue to carry forward a "process of spiritual discernment" that was begun in 2021 and continue with a second synod assembly in 2024.
Please pray for the Bishops, religious, and chosen laypersons who will take part and for the Holy Spirit to guide their way.
The Synod Prayer:
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.