Seoul (Fides Service) - With a solemn celebration of Mass on 26 January presided by Archbishop Nicholas Cheong of Seoul, the archdiocese opened its Synod its Synod. In a message for the occasion, titled "Father, that they may be one as we are one" (Jn 17,21), the Archbishop said the opinions presented during the preparation of the Synod and the proposals made during the sessions will be fully reflected in the pastoral ministry of the Archdiocese and he urged all, families, religious institutions, parishes, to pray for the success of the Synod. Archbishop Cheong stressed the need to strengthen communion in the local Church and he underlined the importance of the laity, whom he said have a great responsibility for the future of the Church. (Fides Service 31/1/2003)