Synod on Synodality: Zambian Catholic Bishop Urges Prayer, “invocation of the Holy Spirit”

Mpika, 22 September, 2023 / 9:55 PM

Bishop Edwin Mwansa Mulandu of Mpika Diocese in Zambia has called on the people of God in his Episcopal See to pray for the success of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops set to begin on October 4 in Rome.

In a Thursday, September 21 statement, Bishop Mulandu says, “The process that began with the consultation of the people of God has now reached another stage.”

“The Synod is above all an event of prayer that involves every baptized person and every particular Church,” the Zambian Catholic Bishop says.

He adds, “It is for this reason that we all have been called upon to unite in communion of prayer and insistent invocation of the Holy Spirit to pray for the Holy Father, Pope Francis and all the members of the Synodal Assembly for guidance in discerning what the Lord is asking of his Church today.”

In a break with past custom that allowed laypeople to participate in the Synod of Bishops without the right to vote, the Vatican indicated on April 26 that lay delegates to the 16th Ordinary General Assembly that was announced in March 2020 and later extended to October 2024 will participate as voting members. 

In his September 21 statement, Bishop Mulandu reiterates his appeal for prayers, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I therefore, invite you beginning this coming Sunday, 25th Sunday in Ordinary time, to join the Universal Church in praying for the Synodal Assembly.”

“The first recommended form of Prayer is that of listening to the word of God and to the Holy Spirit. Secondly, we are all encouraged to organize and take part in the prayer of adoration in your respective Parishes, Convents and Monasteries,” he says.

The Zambian Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Mpika Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in July 2021 continues, “We have attached to this message the universal prayer for intercessions, provided by the secretariat of the Synod, that is to be used during the Weekday and Sunday Eucharistic celebrations beginning from the 25th Sunday in ordinary time.”

“These prayers may also be used during all your prayer meetings. The Prayer to be used by the Priests at the end of the Eucharistic Celebration of the 26th Sunday in ordinary time is also attached,” he says.

Bishop Mulandu implores, “May Mary Our Mother and St. Joseph, her chaste Spouse, accompany us in this special moment of prayer of listening, adoration, intercession and thanksgiving.”