Cardinal Desmond Connell, the Archbishop of Dublin, has announced his intention to hold a diocesan synod, the first such synod in the archdiocese since 1927.
Speaking during his homily at the Chrism Mass in the Pro-Cathedral yesterday, he said "in the diocese, the Council of Priests has for some time been discussing the holding of a diocesan synod. In agreement with the mind of the council, I intend pursuing this proposal further in the hope that the diocese may be ready for a synod in the not too distant future."
The Cardinal said he was doing so in line with the thinking in Pope John Paul's recent Novo Millenio Ineunte apostolic letter which offered guidance following on last year's Jubilee events.
It is known that Cardinal Connell has favoured holding such a synod for some time but held off as he was due to submit his letter of resignation as archbishop when he reached 75 on March 26th last. It is said that he did not wish to lumber a successor with a preordained decision.
However, the announcement of his elevation to the College of Cardinals in January changed that. It is expected the synod will take place within three years.
