Cardinal Tobin reflects on final week of the Synod of Bishops (Video)
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, said in the final days of the Synod of Bishops they will be looking at a draft synthesis report on the discussions of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that is expected to be released next week.
Although it’s not the final outcome of the synod which culminates in October 2024, the cardinal said it will contain “something substantial” on the “orientation” of the Church in the future.
On Saturday, the members will vote and approve the synthesis before ending the meeting by singing the ancient hymn “Te Deum,” “Holy God, we praise thy name.” On Sunday, a Mass of Thanksgivings will held with Pope Francis.
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In his message to the faithful in Newark, Cardinal Tobin shared that he cherishes two memories of the four weeks he spent in Rome. One of these memories is associated with the death of Pope John Paul in 2005. The Cardinal stood in line for almost nine hours along with thousands of the faithful from all walks of life to gain entry into St. Peter’s for the wake. Even though the basilica was shrouded in fog and not visible, they had faith that they would eventually reach their destination. The cardinal likened the synod to this experience of walking together, trusting one another, and following Jesus even though the final destination remains unknown. Another image he recalled was that of a rainbow that arched over the basilica’s dome on Thursday. In scripture, he said, rainbows are not only a sign of peace, but also fidelity, that God keeps his word.
“I have great confidence coming back to Newark that we are going to find a way forward in listening to each other and asking each other what is the Holy Spirit saying to us as a diocesean church today. I have confidence because God is faithful” Cardinal Tobin said.
The Synod of Synodality began in 2021. The Archdiocese of Newark held a series of 700 prayerful listening sessions capturing the voices of more than 15,000 northern New Jerseyans in 2021 and 2022.
Ideas generated during the Synod this month will be the subject of further discussions in local diocesan communities throughout the world next year in preparation for the Synod’s final session in October 2024, Cardinal Tobin said.
Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, NJ, joins members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops for prayer before a working session in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall Oct. 26, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
