The attendees of the synod broke into small groups this week, unpacking the first part of the Instrumentum Laboris and providing commentary to the whole group on what works and doesn't. Many groups explored the need for more emphasis on the encounter with Jesus Christ in one's life, and a number of interventions mentioned the necessity for bishops, priests, religious, and lay men and women to give authentic witness to and testimonies of their own encounters with Jesus.
Also, this week, Pope Francis “climbed the stairs” of the synod aula (classroom) to greet the auditors, most of whom are young adults. In a break with the formality of the gathering, many of the young adults have begun clapping and even whooping their approval of particularly good interventions made by bishops, and Pope Francis encouraged them to do so. This is significant: as he climbed those stairs, he was giving a real example of what it means to walk with someone—to meet another where they are, to affirm the gifts they are bringing forward, and to encourage their journey.
The other highlight of this week was the election of members to a commission that will create the final document from the synod—a document which Pope Francis has asked to be both practical and usable, and which some bishops have asked to speak directly to youth and young adults about their call to holiness.
Important Information and Articles from Week 2:
