Synod document

The apostolic exhortation, "The Church in America," summarizes and finalizes the conclusions of the Synod for America, which I attended in 1997 in Rome.

One of the things that the Holy Father emphasized throughout the Synod and at the final session was the fact that America is one continent and, even though we have many cultures, we have a unique opportunity, if not obligation, to think and act as a single global entity.

Bishops from all over the continent gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the presentation of the synod document. Their presence symbolized the unity of the Church under the protection of Mary, who appeared to Blessed Juan Diego in 1531 on Tepeyac hill. Mary appeared as a young mestizo woman: This reminds us that the Church in America is made up of many peoples from many places. As we approach the new millennium, the Holy Father is calling us to renew our appreciation for all we share with our brothers and sisters in other parts of the American continent.

One of the most encouraging things I experienced during the trip was the enthusiasm of the Mexican people for the Pope and, undergirding that enthusiasm, their love for the Church. People waited hours everyday just to get a glimpse of him. I'm sure the Holy Father went away from his trip to Mexico heartened by an experience he has not seen in any other country, except perhaps Poland. The faith of the people and their commitment to the Pope was truly extraordinary.

The Latino people of the Americas have a special gift to give to all of us. They love Christ, they love the Church. I hope they will be proud of who they are, proud of their culture, and bring that gift to the archdiocese. We very much need it. Be who you are, be proud of it. To non-Latino people I would say, 'Be open to this gift, appreciate it and receive it.'

There are three things that the Holy Father calls us to do in light of the Synod: The first is conversion, the second is communion and third, solidarity.

It all starts with conversion: Groups aren't converted, individuals are. We have to focus on our conversion, but our conversion is strengthened by communion, which is our relationship with one another. The third thing is solidarity in our efforts. In the document, solidarity is described as an effort to transform society. We can look at our world and see that it is beautiful and wonderful, but we can also observe sin, injustice and their consequences. We need to work as a Christian community in solidarity to create positive change in our nation and the world.

The New Evangelization

The Church in a diocese is "lived" in its parishes. But even before it is lived in its parishes, it is lived in homes. The New Evangelization called forth by the synod document can only take place if individuals and families read and study this document, and pastors and parishes help facilitate communities of people working together to make the New Evangelization a reality.

I hope individuals, families, pastors and parish staffs will make it a point to read "The Church in America" and reflect on how we can come together to break down the divisions between north and south, rich and poor. To facilitate this, a link to the document has been placed on the archdiocesan web page.

A final note: A number of people have asked me about the significance of the designation of Dec. 12 as the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, announced by the Holy Father during his trip to Mexico. In many places, Dec. 12 was an optional memorial in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but it was not a feast day. Many places in the United States, especially those with large Hispanic populations like Colorado, already celebrate the memorial. But now the Holy Father has raised it to the status of a feast day. While it is not a holy day of obligation, I encourage everyone to celebrate this feast with great joy.