After the Divine Liturgy celebrated in Ethiopian rite at the Cathedral of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the third day of the continental synod meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, delegates commenced the meeting with prayers led by Dr. David Kaulemu and Dr. Philomena Nwaura from Zimbambwe and Kenya respectively.

Focusing on the theme of the day, “Gathering the fruits of our prayer, reflection, conversation and sharing on Document for Continental Stage,” the prayer leaders gave reflections from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans that, “the God of endurance and encouragement may grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The psalm to help delegates meditate more on listening to the spirit focused on, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.”

The delegates prayed for the youths and women, where a young person on behalf of the youths asked for the graces to draw near to God each day as young people of the synodal Church, “Find faith in the midst of chaos, ability to listen, to see, to hear and give thanks to God.”

Besides, women as “pillars” of the Church were prayed for by a fellow woman representative at the continental synod, to acknowledge all they receive from God, listen and work together and be attentive to the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer leaders concluded, seeking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as delegates continue with the synodal process saying, “May our vision and understanding be enlightened through this mission of the Church in Africa and never lose sight.”