This morning the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI will convene the greatly anticipated Synod on the Bible by celebrating Mass at the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on October 5.

According to a communiqué issued by the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Pope will preside at a Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, at the basilica.

The Holy Father will concelebrate the Eucharist with the Synod Fathers for the opening of the Twelfth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will have as its theme: "Verbum Domini in vita et missione Ecclesiae" (The Word of God in the life and mission of the Church).