So we recognize the diversity and the complementarity of these two texts. The former is the comprehensive and synthetic frame of reference that emerged from two years of listening the latter is the fruit of the discernment that followed and draws together thematically the key points that the Synod Fathers discussed with particular intensity and interest. It is important to make clear the relationship between the Instrumentum Laborisand the Final Document. The Final Document of the Synodal Assemblyģ. This Final Document now collects the results of this process and directs it to the future: it expresses what the Synod Fathers recognized, interpreted and decided in the light of God’s word. Jn 6:8-11).Īll of this was summarized in the Instrumentum Laboris, which provided a solid basis for discussion throughout the weeks of the Assembly. Their contribution was essential, just as in the account of the loaves and the fish: Jesus was able to perform the miracle thanks to the availability of a young man who generously offered what he had (cf. From the outset young people were involved in the synodal process: the online questionnaire, the large number of personal testimonies and above all the Presynodal Meeting were an eloquent indication of this. We benefitted greatly from the contributions of the bishops’ conferences and from the insights of pastors, religious, laypersons, experts, teachers and many others. The Lord says to us again and again: Do not be afraid, I am with you.Ģ. The power of this experience overcomes all weariness and weakness. Journeying with them as pilgrims to the tomb of Peter, we experienced how drawing together in this way creates the conditions for the Church to become a place of dialogue and a witness to a life-giving fraternity. The presence of young people was something new: through them the voice of a whole generation was heard in the Synod.
We want to share with everyone the grace that we experienced and we want to pass on the joy of the Gospel to our Churches and to the whole world. Many of the interventions touched us deeply and awakened in us evangelical compassion: we felt as one body, suffering and rejoicing together. We worked together, sharing our deepest concerns, communicating our worries, not concealing our troubles. Even though we came from widely differing cultural and ecclesial backgrounds, we were aware from the outset of a spiritual bond uniting us, a desire for dialogue, a real empathy.
We journeyed together, with the Successor of Peter, who strengthened us in faith and gave us fresh vigour and enthusiasm for the mission. He amazed us with the wealth of his gifts and filled us with his courage and strength, to bring hope to the world. This is what we experienced during the Synod, as we walked together and listened to the voice of the Spirit. “I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” ( Acts 2:17 cf. Chapter 1: The Missionary Synodality of the ChurchĬhapter 2: Journeying together in daily life.