Worldly wealth vanishes, God's Word endure, Pope says in opening Synod

October 06, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI opened the 12th ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Sunday, October 5, with a Mass at the Roman basilica of St. Paul-outside-the-Walls. The Synod is dedicated to study of the Word of God in the mission of the Church, and the Holy Father remarked that this too was timely during the Pauline Year. He cited the words of St. Paul: "Woe to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel." Every Christian should make those words his own, the Pope said, and believers should recognize their duty to spread the Word of God among their neighbors.

"When man eliminates God from his horizon, when he declares God to be 'dead,' is he truly happier?" the Pontiff asked. On the contrary, he said, modern man, alienated from faith, "finds himself more alone and society more divided and confused."

 

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Further information:

• Pope Benedict XVI ppens XII Assembly of Synod of Bishops (Vatican Radio)
• Money flees, but not God's word: Pope (The Age)
• Pope decries godless nature of modern societies