On Saturday, 30th of September, the “Gathering of the People of God” took place. At the invitation of Pope Francis, in the presence of around forty church leaders from various denominations, this vigil entrusted to the Holy Spirit the work of the synodal assembly of the Catholic Church which will begin on Wednesday 4th of October.
During the ecumenical prayer vigil which was organised by the Taizé Community, Pope Francis emphasised the importance of silence in our spiritual life. The two-hour service also included Taizé hymns, Scripture readings, testimonies by young Christians from around the world and a prayer called “The Way of God the Creator,” which reflected on the gift of God’s creation from a Biblical perspective.
Justice and Peace Europe was one of the partner organisations which helped in the organisation of the vigil. For this occasion, Stefan Lunte (Secretary General of Justice and Peace Europe), and Daniel Darmanin (President of the Justice and Peace Commission in Malta and a member of the Justice and Peace Europe Executive Committee) were present in Rome to help in the last-minute preparations and participate in the vigil.