Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Madrid (Fides Service) - "The 3rd diocesan Synod in Madrid aims to be a confirmation of commitment to evangelisation, apostolic work impregnated with the faith of our fathers who for generations renewed with unswerving fidelity not rarely to the point of martyrdom their loyalty to Christ and the Church . A ‘yes’ which can and must bear fruits of renewal in Christian life and in the pastoral mission of the diocesan Church". Cardinal Antonio Mª Rouco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid and President of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference said this during Mass to open the 3rd Madrid Diocesan Synod on January 29. In his homily the Cardinal said the Synod is important today when "strong currents of thought and influent centres and institutions of economic, cultural and political power are deciding to avoid all reference to the will of God", when people are convinced that man alone has the power to establish good and evil and where “the silent apostasy mentioned by John Paul II in the post synodal exhortation Ecclesia in Europa is becoming a reality". The Archbishop of Madrid called on individuals to respond according to the vocation and mission of each in the Church: “To oppose, resist or ignore this call to evangelise in Madrid would be a serious rejection of Grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit and also a denial of brotherly love."
The 3rd diocesan Synod of Madrid, 29 January with the slogan "Illuminating Hope". The Synod is attended by 623 participants including priests, religious and lay persons who will meet every Saturday until 23 April at the Fondacion Paolo VI. The Synod will close on 15 May, solemnity of Pentecost.
Synod objectives include: identifying paths for conversion, what is in need of correction and change to announce the Gospel with greater fidelity, prepare to meet those who do not believe in Jesus Christ or are far from the Church; identify new fields of mission and promote initiatives of evangelisation, revive awareness of new situations of injustice and de-humanisation, become more familiar with the teaching of the Church .
The meetings with examine five aspects: how we receive gift of faith which we must hand on and how we live it; how to proclaim the Gospel to non believers and those who are distant; what catechesis do we offer to those who become members of the Church and how do we celebrate the Sacraments; how to bear witness to Jesus Christ in response to the expectations of individuals and society. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2005; righe 33, parole 458)
