In the second press briefing, Ruffini, chairman of the Information Committee of the Synod of Bishops, introduced the topics discussed by participants in panel discussions and conference speeches from October 5 to 6, including: adjustments to church structures, violations, and religious dialogue , and attention to the poor.
(Vatican News Network) Ruffini, Minister of Communications of the Holy See and Chairman of the Information Committee of the Synod of Bishops, hosted the second press briefing during the General Assembly in the Holy See Press Room on October 6. He introduced the topics discussed by the 351 participants from the afternoon of the 5th to the morning of the 6th, such as: starting from seminarians, to priests, laity and catechists, the need for “everyone” to receive formation; the role of women, and The ministry of consecrated and unconsecrated people; the centrality of the Eucharist; the importance given to the poor; the waves of immigration, invasions, the tragic situation of Christian persecution and suffering. “We will try to give you everything we have every day,” Ruffini said at the start of the press briefing.
18 speakers’ reports and 22 individual remarks
Ruffini explained that the participants continued their group discussions in the afternoon of October 5 and in the evening “concluded the first part of their discussions.” On the morning of the 6th, the Pope visited the venue in person, and the conference was divided into two major moments: first, 18 spokespersons from the group reported 18 reports to the conference; then, there were 22 individual speeches. In this discussion period, everyone has three minutes to speak; in the following topic discussion period, everyone has four minutes to speak. At the conference that day, after every four people spoke, everyone held a moment of silence and prayer.
Selections from the Pope to attendees
The third plenary meeting will continue on the afternoon of October 6. Ruffini said that in the afternoon, every attendee will get a book published by Vatican Books, which contains two speeches by Pope Bergoglio, one in his capacity as pope and one in his former capacity as cardinal. Published by Identity, talks about sanctification and corruption. The preface to this anthology is published for the first time.
Ms. Pires: Diversity of attendees and aspirations of peers
Ms. Sheila Pires, Secretary of the Information Committee of the Synod, pointed out that the group discussion took place in an atmosphere of “walking together”: “People are getting to know each other… we are indeed walking together.” The atmosphere was mainly “joyful.” , naturally “there is no lack of tension.” The most interesting thing is that each group is composed of people from different continents. “For example, I have people from Asia, Africa, North America and Europe in my group. There is diversity, a spirit of camaraderie and a desire to move forward together,” Ms. Pires said.
integration and friendship
Ms. Pires also listed the topics discussed at the meeting to reporters, especially the reflection on “the church is like a big family that accepts everyone.” Then there is the ecumenical movement and interreligious dialogue, as well as the recognition of youth and the importance of women’s participation. In this regard, at the beginning of the plenary session that morning, a nun said: “We try to be as involved as possible.” All this is embedded in this “process” that “puts listening first”. In the first few days of the Synod, which has the theme of “comrades”, its program has been listening and “learning to listen”, interspersed with moments of prayer. Pause, Ms. Pires noted, helps with reflection and discernment.
Ruffini further mentioned the aspect of strengthening “friendship relations”. “Friendships are born in small groups. We get to know each other and try to understand what is good for the Church. There are always difficulties, but many barriers will fall because the point of reference is the suffering flesh and blood of Christ.”
discussion topics
Then, the Prefect of the Congregation for Communications elaborated in more detail on one of the topics discussed by the group, namely: “Adjustment of the Church’s structure, such as the Code of Canon Law and the size and formation of the Congregation of the Holy See in Rome”. In addition, the participants also paid attention to the issue of East-West relations, quoting John Paul II’s classic saying about the Church: The Church must breathe with “two lungs.”
Turning to the phenomenon of migration flows, the need to accompany migrants was reiterated, and the pastoral service of bishops “is of vital importance in this accompaniment”. Regarding the role of women, participants reiterated the importance of promoting the role of women and their active participation in many processes within the Church. Participants also expressed concern for young people and the poor, calling for them to stop doing things “slowly”.
“Repair the Church”
One of the attendees who spoke at the conference mentioned the deeds associated with the Cross of St. Damian. Ruffini said, “The issue of restoring the church emerged. Restoration means saying: I am here and I am engaged in service. Anyone who devotes himself to restoring the church needs to “diagnose symptoms and make prognostic judgments” in order to A pure heart interprets the signs of the times.”
“It is important that as members of the Church and as believers we free ourselves from everything that is contrary to Christ” and everything that is contrary to the gospel. The great danger, therefore, is to cling to power without feeling the need to serve with all your heart. Participants in the Synod agreed that “the spirit of fellowship is written in the DNA of the Church” and thought of “those who, due to persecution or the seriousness of the world crisis, are unable to attend the meeting in person”.
Thoughts about Ukraine
Participants were particularly concerned about the “Church of the Passion” in Ukraine. Ruffini said the crowd applauded so that they could “feel communion with the war-torn people and Ukrainian Christians.”
Another round of applause was given to Sister Letizia Salazar, the birthday girl that day, and to Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who was celebrating the anniversary of his ordination. These actions also demonstrated the harmonious atmosphere of “like family” among the participants.
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2023-10-07 11:41:39
