This past Sunday (September 28), all Catholics were invited to participate in prayer for the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled to take place October 5-19 to treat the topic: The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.
Parishes, religious orders, associations, and movements were asked to pray for this intention during Mass and at other liturgical celebrations in the days leading to the synod and during the synod itself. In Rome, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, prayers will be recited each day in the chapel of the icon, Salus Populi Romani. The faithful, individually but above all in families, also were invited to join in these prayers.
Archbishop Kurtz has asked for continued prayers. The suggested prayer below is the Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod, composed by Pope Francis. The recitation of the Holy Rosary is also recommended for the duration of the synodal assembly.
Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendour of true love,
to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.
Amen.
