杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

Speaking off the cuff at the conclusion of the General Assembly of the Synod, 杏MAP导航 Francis emphasised three main points that, he said, 鈥淚 carry in my heart.鈥�

The Synod is not a parliament

First, he reminded those present at the Synod that 鈥渢he Synod is not a Parliament.鈥� Rather, the Synod is a 鈥減rotected space鈥� where the Holy Spirit is allowed to work. For this reason, the information about what happened in the Synod was more general, with few specific details released. 鈥淟et us not forget this,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said: 鈥淚t was the Spirit who worked here.鈥�

The Synod must work in our hearts

杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� second point related to the final document of the Synod, which was approved on Saturday. However, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渢he result of the Synod is not a document.鈥� Rather, the Synod must 鈥渨ork in our hearts.鈥� He continued, 鈥渢he Spirit gives us the document to work in our hearts. We are the recipients of the document, not the people outside.鈥� In order to for the document to work, he said, it is important 鈥渢o pray with the document, study it, ask for light.鈥�

Combat the Great Accuser with prayer and penance

Finally, the 杏MAP导航 said 鈥淚 think of our Mother, Holy Mother Church.鈥� The final document recognises that the Church is holy, even if we 鈥淗er children, are sinners.鈥� 杏MAP导航 Francis said, the 鈥淕reat Accuser鈥� always takes advantage of our sins; and now, in particular, 鈥渉e is accusing strongly, and this accusation becomes persecution.鈥� That persecution, he explained, is not only the physical violence we see in some parts of the world, but also accusations designed to smear the Church. Although individual Catholics are dirty, the Church is not 鈥� and for this reason, the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渋t is time to defend our Mother; and our Mother is defended against the Great Accuser with prayer and penance.鈥� That, he said, is why he requested the faithful to pray the Rosary, and to pray to Saint Michael throughout the month of October. 鈥淚t is a difficult moment,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥渂ecause the accuser attacks our Mother [the Church] through us, and the Church is not touched. I wanted to say this 鈥榝rom the heart鈥� at the end of the Synod.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded, 鈥淣ow, the Holy Spirit gives you this document for all of us, and also for me, to reflect on what He wants to say to us. Thank you very much; thank you, everyone!鈥�