The Synod’s Opening Mass

Elizabeth Young rsm, 2 October 2024

Today we lined up with the great masses for a wonderful start to the Synod: Opening Mass.

What struck me at first was the colourful pageant of Synod delegates in the entrance procession, followed by great lines of bishops, priests and a lone permanent deacon. We sang along with the chants and prayed along with the intentions for a more just world. It was a simple Mass, not long or elaborate; it did not make use of the dramatic and creative aspects of the many cultures present, but united us together. Pope Francis’s homily called for harmony, but not uniformity. The Spirit brings unity through diverse voices, “Like Pentecost”, he said. We all pray that God’s voice guides the Synod to do what it set out to do: be an instrument of communion, mission and participation in the Church.

After lunch we travelled home for the Discerning Deacons’ opening retreat. Different participants led us through icebreakers, theological reflection, songs and small group sharing to deepen our experience of the pilgrimage and each other. We were especially moved by a ‘forgiveness ceremony’ prepared by one of our group – a Bolivian biblical theologian. She drew our attention to the misuse of scripture to discriminate against women over the centuries, and we prayed for healing and hope.

At the end of a long day, half of us staying in the one residence concluded with an evening prayer. We listened to Gurrumul’s Jesu (Gumatj musician from the North East Arnhem Land of Australia) and used an examen and breath meditation based on today’s readings of the Guardian Angels. Spontaneously, as the music faded away and the prayers ended, people added their intentions for people and situations that fill their hearts. So it is that in the masses or in the intimacy of small groups, we discover again that we need each other to keep our faith and hope alive. St Phoebe and St Paul, pray for us.