The three intense weeks of the historic Synod on the theme of “Vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the modern world” were 
finally over. It was time for the participants to bid farewell to each other. On Saturday, October 24, Javier had an opportunity to greet Pope Francis; wanting to thank him, it was the Pope who was the first to say “thanks for your support” to our Superior General… and they hugged each other, visibly moved…
The XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was closed with a Sunday Mass on October 25, 2015 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican. There was the longest queue at the Plaza Saint Peter of people wanting to enter and join the celebration, among these were three brothers from the Generalate: Pankras, David and Remi, who arrived with two Ploermel brothers and two PRR sisters.
The Eucharistic celebration started on time at 10:00 am, and soon people started wondering whether or not there would be a homily, because in the Mass booklet’s Homily section is written: “Silence for personal reflection”. Pope Francis in fact delivered a homily, declaring that "today is a time of mercy," a closing remark of the Synod of bishops that has approved an important new direction in welcoming divorced and civilly remarried Catholics into the Church on a case by case basis.
The final document of the Synod has been published. Javier will dedicate his next INFO letter to some comments on his experience in the Synod.
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10/26/2015