The structure and main content of the final document were the Synod’s focal point on October 23, 2018, according to the report provided by the Polish Bishops’ Conference
The morning session on October 23 was devoted to the presentation of the final document, which is a supplementary document to Instrumentum Laboris. Therefore, both texts should be considered together. The final document refers to the working document and is not an independent text.
“The final document consists of reports that were presented at meetings in the assembly hall and those prepared by language groups. The 3-part structure of Instrumentum Laboris has been maintained. All content was constructed around the theme of the disciples’ path with Jesus to Emmaus,” said Archbishop Stanisław Gadecki, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.
The final document is the result of collective work. “The authors of the document are, therefore, the Synod Fathers and all those who prepared the Synod, including the surveys. The document will be presented to the Holy Father. The Pope will be the first person to receive this text. Then, the local Churches, the young, and all God’s people will receive the text,” Archbishop Gądecki said.
During the meeting, it was pointed out that the Synod will not end with Holy Mass next Sunday. “Only then will the time of its realization and implementation begin. Local churches will begin dealing with the final text and adapt it to their conditions, their environment,” noted the President of the Episcopate.
During the second part of the meeting, the secretaries presented the special content of the final document. “The first part, starting from the road to Emmaus, has been divided into four chapters. In the first chapter, we talk about the Church that listens. The second chapter deals with the topics of the digital world, immigrants, and abuse. The third chapter speaks about identity and relationships. The fourth chapter addresses the theme of being young today,” Archbishop Gądecki recounted.
The second part of the document introduces the theme of a new Pentecost. “The first chapter concerns the gift of youth. The second chapter deals with the mystery of calling, distinguishing the general vocation of all to sanctity and the specific vocations of individuals. The third chapter draws attention to the mission of accompanying the young, individually and in groups, and the formation of those who accompany. The fourth chapter talks about the art of discernment,” Archbishop Gądecki said.
Part three, entitled “They immediately set out on the road,” is divided into four chapters. “The first chapter talks about the Church’s missionary Synodality. The second chapter refers to synodality in everyday life. The third chapter draws attention to renewed missionary zeal. The fourth chapter addresses the topic of integral formation,” said the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference.
