Bishops meet in Rome

Archbishop Mgr Joseph Mercieca leaves for Rome today to take part in the Bishops' Synod which opens tomorrow.

The theme of the Synod is The Eucharist: Source And Summit Of The Life And Mission Of The Church. The Synod ends on October 23.

The Bishop's Synod is a permanent institution launched by Pope Paul VI in 1965 following the Vatican Council II.

So far 10 Synods were held, the last one in 2001.

This Synod will be the first one to be presided by Pope Benedict XVI. The word Synod is derived from the Greek words syn - together - and hodos - way - and means "gathered together".

Mgr Annetto Depasquale will perform the duties of Archbishop in Mgr Mercieca's absence.