'Together' event brings young people to Rome ahead of Synod

By Christopher Wells

Saturday evening's Ecumenical Prayer Vigil is taking part in the context of the “Together” project, bringing together young people from the age of 18-35 who have come together for a weekend of sharing. The event was organized by some fifty church groups from a wide variety of denominations, at the initiative of the Taizé community and in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Synod; the Dicasteries for Christian Unity and for the Laity, Family, and Life; and the Vicariate of Rome.

The young adults are being hosted by local parishes and communities in Rome.

Study and prayer

Following their arrival on Friday afternoon, young people had the opportunity to meet with Synod participants, including Relator General Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich. Saturday began with morning prayer, and then was spent in workshops in various locations in the centre of Rome.

This afternoon, participants in the Together gathering made their way to Rome’s Cathedral, the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, known as the “mother and head of all the Churches of Rome and of the World.” After a period of praise in the Basilica, the young people made a pilgrimage, walking together from the Lateran to Piazza San Pietro, where they are taking part in the Ecumenical Prayer Vigil.

Walking together

The six kilometre “walk together” ties into the idea of synodality, as the Greek word “synodos” is related to the terms “syn”, meaning “with” and “hodos” signifiying a way or a passage; and serves as a powerful symbol of participants’ commitment to togetherness.

On Sunday, participants will celebrate the Lord’s Day with their host communities.