The Archbishop of Guadalajara, Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez is calling on the Mexican faithful to pray for the success of the XXI Synod of Bishops, which is being held until October 23 in Rome.

In an article published by the archdiocesan newspaper El Semanario, the cardinal explains that the Synod of Bishops—of which he is one of the co-presidents—is an “very interesting exercise in dialogue, because it goes from bottom to top and top to bottom again.  A consultation has begun that will be sent to all the dioceses, and the bishop in turn will send it to the parishes and communities in order to obtain their opinions about the proposed theme.”

In his article, Cardinal Sandoval also explains that the conclusions of the Synod will form the basis for an Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Benedict XVI.  The importance of the event necessitates that the faithful “be united with us during the days of the Synod,” he writes, trusting that through their prayers “the Holy Spirit will enlighten us.”