Opening of the Synodal Path

Pope Francis will officially open the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican with the celebration of the Eucharist at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Sunday 10 October, preceded by a moment of reflection in the New Synod Hall on Saturday 9 October.

Saturday’s programme includes work in plenary session and in language groups. Representatives of the People of God will be present, including delegates from the International Meetings of Bishops' Conferences and assimilated bodies, members of the Roman Curia, fraternal delegates, delegates from consecrated life and ecclesial lay movements, the youth council, and so on. Pope Francis will participate in the first part of the work.

The Holy Mass on Sunday 10 October at 10.00, presided over by the Holy Father, will inaugurate the Synod for the Universal Church and the diocese of Rome, with the participation of the faithful.

Saturday’s plenary session and Sunday’s Holy Mass will be broadcast live by Vatican Media.

Programme

Saturday 9 October 2021 - 9.00 to 13.00

New Synod Hall

Moment of Reflection

for the beginning of the Synodal Path

8.00 Welcome

9.00 Enthronement and Proclamation of the Word of God (Rev 1,9-20)

Meditation:

Fr. Paul Béré, S.J., Burkina Faso, and Cristina Inogés Sanz, Spain

Address of the Holy Father

Greeting from Cardinal Jean Claude Hollerich, General Rapporteur of the Synod

Testimonies

- A young woman, South Africa

- A nun, United States of America (on video)

- A bishop, Korea

Silence

- A family, Australia (on video)

- A priest, Brazil (on video)

- A religious community leader, France

Silence

Message from Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod

Introduction to the work in the Small Groups

11.00 Pause

11.30 Workshop in Small Groups (in various languages)

End of work at 13.30