Interventions of the Synod Members During the Sessions

(October 14, 2010) The Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops is well under way, and the synod fathers are discussing matters transparently, in the hopes of finding the necessary solutions to support the Christians of the Middle East and of creating communion. On Wednesday, the fourth day of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, Reverend Umberto Barato Patriarchal Vicar Emeritus of Jerusalem of the Latins for Cyprus said that the Pastoral care towards the migrants and tourists is particular and delicate and must be practiced as if they are remaining permanently there. The pastoral action must be inspired by charity and indiscriminate acceptance, following the example of Jesus. The Archbishop of Beirut of the Armenians H.B. Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, said that the Word of God that is chosen as the theme of the Synod Assembly, is like a beacon that lights the road we must take for our life of faith, Christian witness, with our brothers not fully united with the see of Peter and with our other brothers, while different in creed from us. Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Arabia, in his intervention said that the Catholic Church is law abiding and is trusted by the Government, in a country where Islam is the state religion. The church has to adapt in its structures and pastoral work to the limits imposed by the external circumstances. Bishop Antoine Audo of the Chaldeans, Syria, stressed on the importance of spiritual and intellectual formation of future priests despite the decrease in the number of vocations. The seminarians must have a profound sense of each liturgy and they should be able to open themselves to the universality of the church. Archbishop Youssef Anis Abi-aad of Alep of the Maronites said that we cannot welcome those that God places on our path, if we do not welcome God in person. The more we discover God, the more we discover the holiness of God.