Photo Credits: Archbishop Ferrao in Rome for Vatican Synod
Headline: Archbishop Ferrao in Rome for Vatican Synod
Strap: Cardinal, Archbishop along with two other heads of Catholic church represent India
THE GOAN Network
PANAJI
Archbishop-Patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao and Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Goan origin are presently in Rome, after being appointed by Pope Francis as members from the Indian delegation for the 14th General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, from October 4-25.
Archbishop Ferrao along with Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, who traces his roots to Orlim-Salcete, is representing India along with Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan of Punalur, Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong and Bishop Singaroyan Sebastianappan of Salem (Substitute).
Archbishop Ferrao left for Italy on October 2 and is expected to return to the archdiocese on October 27.
A total of 270 Synod Fathers from all across the world will participate in the 14th General Ordinary Assembly on the theme, “the vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world.”
The Synod of Bishops is expected to reflect on the points discussed at the 2014 Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops "so as to formulate appropriate pastoral guidelines" for the pastoral care of the person and the family.
According to a Vatican communiqué, “the Assembly is the culmination of the synodal journey undertaken two years ago, with the distribution of the first questionnaire to all the particular Churches, enabling the profile of the family in the world, its riches and its challenges, to be outlined.”
“The Extraordinary General Assembly then prepared a Final Report (Relatio Synodi) which raised further questions; the answers have been incorporated in today's Instrumentum Laboris. With this text in hand, composed of the Relatio Synodi and by the contributions of the particular Churches, the Fathers are preparing to listen to the challenges faced by the family, to discern its vocation, and to announce its mission.”
The 270 Synod Fathers include 74 cardinals (including one cardinal Patriarch and 2 major archbishops), six Patriarchs, one major archbishop, 72 archbishops (including three titular), 102 bishops (including six auxiliaries, three apostolic vicars and one emeritus), two parish priests and 13 religious.
In addition, other invitees from different cultures and nations will take part in this Synod Assembly and they include 24 experts and collaborators of the Special Secretary, 51 auditors and 14 fraternal delegates.
Incidentally, Cardinal Gracias has also been appointed by Pope Francis in the Commission for the Elaboration of the Final Report, which includes eight other senior church officials from all five continents.
Quote: The Assembly is the culmination of the synodal journey undertaken two years ago, with the distribution of the first questionnaire to all the particular Churches, enabling the profile of the family in the world, its riches and its challenges, to be outlined - Vatican communiqué,
