In advance of the first assembly of the Universal Synod, which begins on 4th October 2023, an ecumenical prayer vigil is taking place in Rome to unite us all in praise and worship. In extending this invitation to “TOGETHER-GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD” Pope Francis reminded us that ‘the path to Christian unity and the path of synodal conversion of the Church are linked’. In a special way, young people from across the world, from all Church backgrounds, have been invited to Rome and will be welcomed for a weekend of sharing, to journey together as the people of God to pray for the work of the Synod.
Here in Ossory on the evening of Friday September 22nd we joined with Pope Francis and the young people in Rome by holding an ecumenical Taizé prayer in The Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Mary’s Cathedral. We extended a special invitation to all the young people of the diocese to join with us for that prayer and it was wonderful to see a packed Blessed Sacrament Chapel as those who gathered prayed in that simple Taizé fashion. Members of the St Patrick’s Parish choir led the chants as the young people who gathered joined in – praying for the success of the synod and, of course, for young people today.
Then on Sunday evening we gathered as the People of God in Ossory at the 5.30pm Mass, celebrated by Fr Dermot Ryan, Adm who was joined by Fr Dan Bollard and Fr Mike Burgess OFM Cap, as we united again with the People of God across the world to pray for the success of the Universal Synod. It was wonderful to see young people in attendance praying for the synod – and a sincere thanks to Ms Mandy Dowling and the senior choir of Kilkenny CBS who lead all gathered in song.
Thanks to all involved in these most memorable gatherings of prayers, our Diocesan Synod Group and a sincere thanks to our Diocesan Pastoral Co-Ordinator Ms Gemma Mulligan who helped us come together for these moments at St Mary’s Cathedral.