Is this significant? Could it be that, keeping in mind his experience of the long sessions of Vatican II and of previous Synods, the Holy Father, in his wisdom, believed more could be accomplished, more decisions agreed upon, more fruitful results achieved if the world’s bishops were aware that the time frame was one third less than they had anticipated?

This would have the obvious effect of concentrating their attention, sharply focussing their presentations and contributions to the task at hand. It would also militate against the event becoming a repetitious “talk-fest” during which certain groups and factions could, perhaps, have the time and opportunity to organise and dominate or, at least, influence vital decisions. From many reports this is what occurred during the long sessions of Vatican II.

The official reason given is that the shorter time would keep bishops away from their dioceses for less time. That, too, no doubt!

A reading of the “Instrumentum Laboris” (Working Document) is most interesting and, indeed, very encouraging. Let us keep in mind that the theme of the Synod is:

“The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church”

This “Working Document” is basically an assessment and summary of the submissions received by the Vatican from the Bishops of every corner of the Catholic world. It will be the subject of an article in the next issue of “Lepanto”.