VATICAN CITY, OCT. 23, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Synod on the New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Faith entered its final stage this week.
The Synod Fathers gathered yesterday to present several propositions which will be delivered to Pope Benedict XVI at the conclusion of the assembly. The prelates will then be divided into linguistic groups to prepare the amendments to the propositions.
The minor circles also met in the afternoon to continue their work. On Monday, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Relator General of the Synod, along with several other prelates of the minor circles prepared, behind closed doors, the list of final propositions.
A draft of the Final Message to the People of God was presented on Saturday morning. The Synod Fathers debated and deliberated on its principal lines and the final draft of the message is set to be approved on October 26th.
Cardinal Giuseppe Bertori, president of the Message’s Committee read the outline of the message that will be addressed to whole world.
The first vote was also held to elect Members of the XIII Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. The Council is comprised of 12 members who are elected by the Synod (three for each of the continents of Europe, Africa and America, and three for Asia-Oceania).
The Council of the General Secretariat assists General Secretary in examining all proposals by the Synod of Bishops and the Council of the Hierarchy of the Eastern Catholic Churches, the Episcopal Conferences, the Departments of the Roman Curia and the Union of Superiors General on the questions to be treated at the Synod.
They also aid in preparing the work for discussion at the next assembly of the Synod and in offering advice for the practice of what was proposed by the Synod and approved by the Roman Pontiff.
