Yesterday I happened to be chatting with veteran Vaticanista John Thavis about the progress at the Synod. John, who (like me) lives in the Twin Cities, arrived here on Monday, ready to add another major event to his long career. He's been kind enough to offer me a little advice and guidance, which has been very helpful for a writer who's only at his second Vatican event. John asked me whether I had been in to see the Synod opening prayer, and after seeing my puzzled expression, he explained that selected media can apply to be present -- and take pictures and video if they wish.
It didn't take me long to sign up for that after our conversation. I decided to trek out early from the hotel and carry only my camera gear rather all of my equipment, which turned out to be a good choice. The mornings here in Rome are crisp, cool, and sunny, and practically made for a nice stroll. There is nothing quite as effective for getting into a prayerful frame of mind than walking through Bernini's Tuscan colonnades on the way to spend some time with the Pope, cardinals, bishops, and other members of the Synod.
The Synod hall is rather cleverly laid out for its purpose. Despite being able to seat well over 200 people, it has a very cozy feel. As you will see in the video, the dais seems very close, even from the back where we media folks were sitting or standing. (I was fortunate enough to get a seat.) We entered before most of the attendees, but as they came in, the mood was very collegial, happy, and energetic. The bishops and cardinals embraced each other frequently with smiles and laughter. If the weight of the world rests on their shoulders, they didn't display any sort of anxiety or burden. That was also true of Pope Francis, who entered with no formalities, smiling and chatting with the bishops and cardinals around him just before the opening prayer.
At first I just wanted to take pictures, but the singing was so beautiful and the moment so filled with joy that I couldn't refrain from taking video. Enjoy this exclusive for Catholic Match Institute -- and be sure to pray for the success of the Synod.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t7nhtuFlVg
