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| Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina, Bishop of Muranga |
“The perception of many about the Synod, and the prediction of its results should not occupy our minds at this point. But what is most clear is that there is a great need for prayer”, said Bishop James Wainiana on the fourth day of the Synod of Bishops taking place in Rome, 4th– 25thOctober, 2015.
Speaking about opening Mass on Sunday 4th October, Bishop Wainiana of Muranga Diocese, Kenya referred to the message of the Holy Father Pope Francis which emphasized that the union between a man and woman is the foundation of God’s plan for the family, and a solution to the many forms of loneliness in today’s world.
“This is God’s dream for his beloved creation: to see it fulfilled in the loving union between a man and a woman, rejoicing in their shared journey, fruitful in their mutual gift of self,” the Pope said.
On Monday 5th, the business of the Synod began in earnest. The Holy Father gave a short welcoming Speech. In his message the Pope said, “[The] Synod is neither a convention, nor a parlor, nor a parliament or senate, where people make deals and reach compromises. The Synod is rather an ecclesial expression, i.e., the Church that journeys together to read reality with the eyes of faith and with the heart of God; it is the Church that interrogates herself with regard to her fidelity to the deposit of faith, which does not represent for the Church a museum to view, nor even something merely to safeguard, but is a living source from which the Church shall drink, to satisfy the thirst of, and illuminate, the deposit of life.”
Bishop Wainaina further shared that after the message from the Pope Francis, the Secretary General of the Synod, Lorenzo Cardinal Baldisseri, explained to the assembly the methodology that will allow Bishops to make interventions concerning particular themes of the Working Document, Instrumentum Laboris.
In this regard Bishop said, “I chose my favorite, the Upbringing of Children as a key responsibility of the Parents and a way to determine or influence the type of society and Catholic Church of tomorrow. These presentations,” he Said, “are the most important part of the Synod. But they will also be supplemented by discussions in Small Groups, made out according to languages spoken.” At the end, all materials will be gathered and given to a committee specially chosen by the Holy Father to collate and edit it for his further action.
And sharing in a personal way about his experience and personal contact with the Holy Father, Bishop Wainaina says,
“Something to note to you my friends is that the since we started, the Holy Father has not missed even one session. He has attended all sessions in person, and He has been the one leading the prayers... That I say is real commitment!!!
This morning I went to greet him. He had arrived before me though I was among the very first ones to arrive. We chatted a bit. I told him my name, my diocese, and that I come from Kenya. He was very happy and he reminded me that he is coming to Kenya. I told him we are waiting for him. He said that he likes our liturgical dances and beautiful things in our celebrations. The conversation was full of joy. I was happy to note that he is recalling the visit to Kenya.
My friends please pray for this Synod. It is very important for each one of us.”
Bp. James M.
Edited by Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News Reporter