Pope Francis opened the work of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops asking members to meditate on ancient theological texts about the Holy Spirit, have the courage to be honest about their disagreements and focus much more on listening than on sharing their opinions.
Pope Francis addresses fears around synod: 'Not a political gathering'
By Justin McLellan, Catholic News Service
Members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops are not gathered in Rome to implement a "plan of reformation" but to walk together as a church that discerns God's will for the present moment, Pope Francis said at the assembly's opening Mass.
Leading into the Synod of Bishops on Synodality’s first week, hopes were high that the almost four weeks of discussions will set the Church on a secure path for the future, despite today’s multiple competing perspectives and priorities.
On retreat, synod members look at ways to accept, overcome differences
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Knowing they would be wrangling with different opinions and that Catholics around the world had different hopes and fears for their work, the 364 full members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops gathered for a retreat.
There’s a dynamism in engaging with the natural world, poet Maya Clubine believes.
'Synodality is a call from God for the church today,' says synod undersecretary
By Paulina Guzik, OSV News
The approaching world Synod of Bishops on Synodality aims to be a lesson on the "exchange of gifts," said Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the Vatican's Synod of Bishops office and one of the highest ranking women in the Vatican.
Inside, outside: Synod to focus on the church and its role in the world
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
When Pope Francis was introduced to the world from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he spoke to the crowd about taking up a journey, "bishop and people," a "journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us."
The eyes of the Catholic world turn to Rome Oct. 4, as the worldwide Synod of Bishops convenes on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi to focus on "synodality" and understanding what it means in terms of "communion, participation and mission" in the church. Here's what it is, how we got here and what to expect.
The times may have changed, but brothers’ mission remains the same.
As Canadians deal with the pressures of a financial crisis, there is opportunity to be found in Catholic values
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Four years ago, Aaron Semple was in a sober-living facility in Ontario, recovering from a decades-old addiction to drugs, and searching for the tools he needed to construct a new, sober life. His decision to sign up for a retreat inspired by the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises led Semple to a faith community, friendship and a move to Montreal to help bring that retreat-experience to others.
Art program helps displaced northerners take their minds off wildfires.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is set to complete an 18-month labour of love early in the fall semester when it installs the final 20 of its welcome benches at each of the board’s school.
Stealing a line from The Beach Boys, Deborah Koko said she spent her vacation before Grade 11 “pickin’ up good vibrations.”