Bishop asks for prayers for success of Synod of Bishops

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines vice president Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara has requested for prayers for the success of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican in October.

Bishop Vergara cited the importance of prayers for the success of the upcoming gathering of bishops with Pope Francis. The Synod will also include for the first time priests, nuns, and lay representatives to discuss important matters within their communities.

“Prayers are very important. Let’s start a prayer brigade for the success or fruitfulness of the Synod,” said Bishop Vergara over Radio Veritas.
 

The Church leader said the priests, nuns and the lay representatives will be granted voting rights during the proceedings of the Synod in recognition of their important role in the Church.

“There will be a lot of listening, a lot of consultation that will further improve the services of the Church,” the bishop said.

Participants to the Synod in October will attend a three-day retreat prior to the event.

Aside from Bishop Vergara, CBCP president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and Theologian Dr. Estela Padilla, executive secretary of the Office of Theological Concerns of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences and consultant of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Basic Ecclesial Communities will attend the Synod of Bishops.

With the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be held on Oct. 4 to 29, 2023. The second session will be held in Oct. 2024.