Summary of synod so far

October 19, 2012 - U.S. Cardinal Donald Wuerl , the Relator General of the synod of bishops that is taking place in the Vatican, on the theme of the new evangelization, Wednesday afternoon summarized three key points that various speakers presented to the Oct. 7-28 Synod so far – namely, learning to communicate to the modern world, a universal call to holiness and the role of parishes in the new evangelization. The cardinal, who is Archbishop of Washington said part of communicating to the modern world entails using modern day language to talk about God. As an example, he said, the Church can learn about this from those who communicate professionally for a living. The prelate delivered the entire summary in Latin, the official language of the Church, in a speech that lasted more than an hour. Regarding the universal call to holiness, Cardinal Wuerl said all Christians should transmit their faith wherever they are and that includes the work place, education, law, politics or business. He said it's not just a matter of inviting others to the faith. One must also live the faith and exemplify it through actions. The role of parishes is also quite important, since it's here that the work of priests, religious movements and the community come together and become alive, the cardinal added.