Pope Francis delivers his homily during the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops on synodality in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 27, 2024. (CNS photo/ Lola Gomez)
Visio Divina
Visio Divina, Latin for divine seeing, is a contemplative practice that involves engaging with visual art, particularly sacred images or icons, in a manner similar to the way one would engage with Scripture through lectio divina. This practice invites one to enter into a dialogue with God through a visual medium allowing the images to speak to the heart and inspire prayer and reflection.
Art touches the human senses precisely to move us with its beauty to contemplate human realities that lie beyond the senses. Bishop Daniel E. Flores “
» Synod Update
BY JUSTIN MCLELLAN Catholic News Service
Local churches called upon to implement synod proposals
Italian holy card of Mary as Star of the Sea.
Ave Maris Stella Hail Star of the Ocean HAIL, O Star of the ocean, God's own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav'nly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve's name. Break the sinners' fetters, make our blindness day, Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray. Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine. Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild, free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled. Keep our life all spotless,
Steps for Visio Divina Step 1: Visio – See
D oubling down on the centrality of synodality in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said that it is now up to local churches to accept and implement proposals from the final document approved the Synod of Bishops on synodality. Approved by the pope, the synod’s final document “participates in the ordinary magisterium of the successor of Peter, and as such, I ask that it be accepted,” the pope wrote in a note published by the Vatican Nov. 25. “Local churches and groupings of churches are now called upon to implement, in different contexts, the authoritative indications contained in the document, through the processes of discernment and decision-making provided by law and by the document itself,” he wrote nearly a month after the synod’s close. The final document outlined key priorities for the church, in- cluding increased participation of laity through new ministries and adjusted governing structures, greater transparency and account- ability among church leadership and creating space for previously marginalized groups. After synod members voted to approve the final document, Pope Francis announced that he would not write the customary apostolic exhortation after the synod but would instead offer the document to the entire church for implementation. With the exceptions of the first synods convoked by St. Paul VI in 1967 and 1971, all ordinary assemblies of the Synod of Bishops have been followed by an exhortation on the synod's themes and discussions by the pope. In his note, Pope Francis clarified that while the document is “not strictly normative” and must be adapted to contexts where it is applied, it still obligates “local churches to make choices consistent with what was indicated” in the document. He also underscored the need for time to address broader
churchwide issues, such as those assigned to the 10 study groups he set up in the spring to explore issues raised during the synod, including women's ministry, seminary education, relationships be- tween bishops and religious communities, and the role of nuncios. More groups may be created, the pope said. The conclusion of the general assembly of the Synod of Bishops “does not end the synodal process,” he wrote. Quoting his 2016 exhortation, “Amoris Laetitia” on marriage and family life, the pope wrote that “not all doctrinal, moral or pas- toral discussions must be resolved by interventions of the magiste- rium,” rather the bishops of each country or region can seek “more encultured solutions” to issues involving local traditions and chal- lenges. He added that the final synod document contains recom- mendations which “can already now be implemented in the local churches and groupings of churches, taking into account different contexts, what has already been done and what remains to be done in order to learn and develop ever better the style proper to the missionary synodal church.” “In many cases it is a matter of effectively implementing what is already provided for in existing law, Latin and Eastern,” while in other contexts local churches can proceed with the creation of “new forms of ministry and missionary action” through a process of syn- odal discernment and experimentation. Pope Francis also specified that during bishops’ “ad limina” vis- its to Rome, each bishop will be asked to discuss what choices have been made in his local church regarding what has been indicated in the final synod document, reflecting on the challenges and the fruits. Meanwhile, he said, the General Secretariat of the Synod and the various dicasteries of the Roman Curia will be tasked with over- seeing the synodal journey’s “implementation phase.” 0
About the Baroque painting by Francisco de Zurbarán on the reverse side: Mary appears standing on five cherubim occupying a half moon. She is wearing a necklace with the anagram A(ve) M(aria), while a host of stars and angels emerge from the clouds in the halo around her head. On either side are angels with lilies, roses (attributes of purity) and tablets with inscriptions from the 'Song of Songs'. At the sides are two collegiates reciting the versus of Ave Maris Stella, Latin for 'Hail, star of the sea.' There are also symbols at the sides alluding to Mary: the Unblemished Mirror, Jacob's Ladder, Gates of Heaven and Morning Star. Source: The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Observe the image closely, allowing the details to resonate and evoke thoughts and feelings. Look at it carefully. Pay attention. Be open to what God wants you to see. Step 2: Meditatio – Meditate Take a few minutes to think about the image and the message that emerges. Is there something specific that calls your attention? Does the image help place you in that moment? How do you encounter the Word, the message of the Lord Jesus? Step 3: Oratio – Pray Spend some time in conversation with God. Respond to God in prayer, expressing thoughts, feeling and insights that arise from the contemplation of the image. Step 4: Contemplatio – Contemplate and Respond Be in his presence. Be still and listen. What does the image say to you? What feel- ings does it prompt? What is God inviting you to contemplate, to learn, to do? How will you respond?
make our way secure till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore. Praise to God the Father,
honor to the Son, in the Holy Spirit,
be the glory one. Amen. From the Liturgia Horarum.
Translation based on a cento from the Roman Breviary. (ref Raccolta, #321).
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THE VALLEY CATHOLIC
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