Day seven of the Synod of Bishops on the Family focused primarily on forming couples for marriage and accompanying them after marriage, as well as providing the sacraments to the divorced and remarried. The press spokesman also addressed a letter that was supposedly given to the Pope before the Synod began which expressed concern about the way the Synod was being managed.

Vatican Radio is reporting on the content of the most recent meetings among the bishops who are once again working in small groups. During the daily briefing, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said yesterday's meetings involved extensive discussions about marriage preparation as well as how to best accompany couples once they were wed.

Mr & Mrs De Renzende, a couple attending the Synod on the Family as delegates from Brazil, suggested that the bishops come up with a proposal to ensure much more formation for married couples that would be available before, during and after marriage.

Mr. De Rezende also told the briefing that he is surprised at what he reads in media reports about the Synod. "Many, many times it does not reflect what is said in there."

He added that there were no discussions about changing doctrines but that "pastoral attitudes had to go through revisions".

Discussion about admission to the sacraments for divorced and remarried, including those married under civil law, was discussed by Synod participants. Discussions were not just about admission to the Eucharist, but to all of the sacraments. Some of the participants reiterated the need for the Church to teach the truth about Christian marriage but to do so while lovingly accompanying those who are hurting.

Father Lombardi said there was a call for the Fathers to review the historical development of theology, doctrine and the sacraments in order to come to a “deeper consciousness” of them.

Mention was also made of a mysterious letter that was supposedly hand-delivered to Pope Francis at the start of the Synod in which thirteen Fathers called for an opportunity to vote on the proposals that will be included in the final document, the Relatio Finalis. They suggest allowing the Fathers to vote before the final document is complete which will allow more time for review and revision.

It also expressed concern that the committee assigned to draft this final document was appointed without consultation rather than elected by the Synod body.

The contents of the letter were released by Sandro Magister of Chiesa, the same reporter whose press credentials were revoked by the Vatican Press Office for leaking the pope’s encyclical on the environment.

Father Lombardi said that he knew nothing about the letter. Additionally, two alleged signees of the letter, Cardinals Vingt-Tois and Scola, both denied signing any such document.

As for what the Pope will do with the final document, this remains unknown.

“He may release immediately or he may study it first before he releases it. We are waiting to understand that . . .” Father Lombardi said.

The Synod is once again working in small groups today and a report from the past two days of deliberation will be presented tomorrow.

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