Pope Francis wants to hear you – and we do too! Our Synodal Journey The Church in Ireland and throughout the world is on a synodal journey. This is, Pope Francis is clear, not a journey to a particular destination rather it is the journey itself which is our destination. It is a church that walks together, sharing our hopes and fears about faith, a church wherein we listen deeply to each other – that is our goal. It is not the voices of some but the voices of all that truly matter. In doing this we will hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit for the Church today. In the weeks ahead plans will be made for these conversations. We will keep you informed.
Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 – 4 April 636).
As we are called to embrace this synodal path of the Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace. For the Synod 2021-2023, we propose to use this simplified version, so that any group or liturgical assembly can pray more easily.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.
