The Vatican confirmed today that on Sunday Pope Francis will celebrate the opening Mass of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

“On Sunday, October 5, 2014, XXVII Ordinary Time, at 10am, the Holy Father Francis will celebrate Mass in the Vatican Basilica on the occasion of the opening of the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops,” the Office of Liturgical Celebrations announced in a statement.

It added “only members of the Synod” will be concelebrating with the Holy Father.

The Synod on the theme of “Pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization” will take place in the Vatican from Sunday 5 to Sunday 19 October.

Pope's Homily at Vespers With Jesuits

«Row then! Row, be strong, even with the headwind! We row in the service of the Church. We row together! But while we row – we all row, even the Pope rows in the boat of Peter – we must pray a lot, ‘Lord, save us! Lord save your people'»