Commission to ensure Synod aims are carried out

A commission for the implementation of the Diocesan Synod is being set up, with the aim of following up and ensuring that its aims are carried out, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca said.

Speaking at the celebration of the conclusion yesterday of the Diocesan Synod - "a unique experience for the Maltese Church" - Mgr Mercieca said he would be reflecting on the pastoral documents drawn up by the Synod, which were presented to him yesterday, before approving them.

The documents are the fruit of the work carried out over the past few years, with competence, dedication and love, he said.

What emerged from the Synod was of great interest to Maltese society, Mgr Mercieca said.

It has proposed six fundamental values, built on the Word of God and the needs of man and society today, with a special emphasis on the family and youths. These values - "the fruit of the work of the Synod Assembly to guide us in the future" - include evangelisation, communion, formation, dialogue, duty and solidarity.

The assembly was characterised by a strong input from the laity. Together they considered how the Church could better fulfil its mission, with a renewed and fresh spirit.

The Archbishop appealed to everyone to "walk together in the direction that was demonstrated by God's spirit during the Synod" - an experience that he said showed how "alive and dynamic" the Church is.