Week of prayer to precede opening (November 9, 2008) |
Although Synod 2009 will actually begin its working sessions on Friday, January 23, when it is formally declared open, a special Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain on Sunday, January 18 at 3.00 p.m. His Grace the Archbishop Edward Gilbert will be the main celebrant and all the Synod delegates and other specially invited guests are expected to attend. Given the horrendous traffic situation out of Port of Spain on weekdays, the Synod Team decided to do away with the traditional Thursday afternoon Mass. This change will allow for a larger turnout for the Synod Mass, as well as the lead in for “a week of special prayer” in all parishes in the archdiocese for the success of the Synod between Monday, January 19 and Thursday, January 22. This prayer format will continue on the days between the two weekends of the Synod, which will conclude on January 31. During the week of prayer, parishes will be expected to say specially prepared prayers for the success of the synod. It will also include Eucharistic adoration and it is hoped that all the archdiocesan schools, ecclesial communities and the Catholic Students’ Movement at the University of the West Indies can become involved in those prayers as well. Meanwhile the Synod team continues its series of Saturday meetings with the vicariates. Following a meeting in Tobago on Thursday, October 30, the team met with delegates of the Southern Vicariate on November 8. These meetings have been described as successful and the last one will be held on November 22. |