5-26 October 2008
It was with great joy, that as President of ICCRS, I received an invitation from Pope Benedict XVl to be an auditor at the Xll Ordinary General Assembly, Synod of Bishops. The theme of the Synod, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church”, is one that is very close to each of us in the Charismatic Renewal. Many of us would testify that the Holy Spirit’s action in our lives has led us to a deep love for the Scriptures. The working document or “Instrumentum Laboris” which forms the basis of the synod has three main sections:
i. The mystery of the God who speaks to us
ii. The Word of God in the life of the Church
iii. The Word of God in the mission of the Church
There was a lot for us to examine and discuss during the 21 days of the Synod. The Synod comprised of 253 Synod fathers Cardinals and Bishops from all the continents, a small group of ecumenical guests, 41 “Biblical experts” and 37 auditors. It is interesting that the “ecclesial movements” seemed to have been given a special place within the auditors. It was a great joy and privilege for me to daily sit alongside the founders and leaders of the various movements.
It was a great joy for me to deliver a 4 minute intervention in the presence of the Holy Father on behalf of all CCR. (see the intervention on our web)
I think we are truly living a special moment of Communion together with the Church during these days. I am sure this Synod will prove to be historic in the life of the Church.
Taken from the ICCRS Newsletter, October-December 2008
