Pope Marks World Day for Consecrated Life and Looks Ahead to Synod of Bishops

(03 Feb 08 - RV) Pope Benedict has asked religious men and women across the world for their contribution in the run up to this year’s Ordinary Synod of Bishops, which will focus on the Word of God in the life and mission of the Church.

Speaking to the hundreds of priests, brothers and sisters religious gathered in St Peter's Basilica on Saturday, at the end of mass celebrating the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and World Day for Consecrated Life, Pope Benedict XVI said. "The next Ordinary session of the synod of bishops will be dedicated to the role of Gods' Word in the life of the Church: I ask you now, my dear brothers and sisters, to offer your contribution to this ecclesial appointment, by witnessing how important it is to put God’s Word at the heart of everything, particularly for those of you, whom the Lord calls to be his intimate follower. In fact consecrated life is rooted in the Gospel, it has continued down through the centuries to be inspired by it as its first rule, and it is called to return to it in order to be constantly rejuvenated so it may bring the fruits of the salvation of souls".

It was the second time this week that the Holy Father looked ahead to the October 2008 appointment. Earlier, Pope Benedict Pope Benedict told those preparing for the Synod that the subject is important for ecumenism. He said that ecumenical dialogue must be animated solely by constant reference to the original Word of God.

In preparation for synod, the Pontifical Salesian University this weekend opened a three-month long exhibit on ecumenical translations of the bible.

Charles Collins has the report: