Pope names St. Paul as the “patron” of the Synod on Holy Scripture

Vatican City, Jan 21, 2008 / 08:39 am

Upon receiving the participants of the Sixth Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, who are preparing for the next meeting on the Holy Scripture, the Pope recalled that the event will coincide with the Year of St. Paul. 

Pope Benedict noted that the Synod, which will take place this October “will reflect on the ‘Word of God in the Life and the Mission of the Church.’  The great tasks facing the ecclesial community in the modern world (and among the many I particularly stress evangelization and ecumenism) are centered on the Word of God and, at the same time, draw from there their justification and support.”

The Holy Father continued, “Just as the Church's missionary activity ... finds its inspiration and its goal in the Lord's merciful revelation, so ecumenical dialogue cannot base itself on the words of human wisdom or on skillful strategies, but must be animated exclusively by constant reference to the original Word, which God consigned to His Church to be read, interpreted and lived in communion.”

”In this context, St. Paul's doctrine reveals a particular strength, clearly founded on divine revelation but also on his own apostolic experience which, ever and anew, made it clear to him that not human wisdom and eloquence but only the force of the Holy Spirit builds the Church in faith.”

Benedict XVI also observed that the Synod will coincide with the celebration of the Pauline Year. This meeting, he said, will offer pastors of the Church an opportunity to reflect on “the witness of this great Apostle and Herald of the Word of God. ... May his example be an encouragement for everyone to accept the Word of salvation and to translate it into daily life, in faithful discipleship of Christ.”