Argentine bishop shares what is in his synod backpack

The Bishop of La Rioja (Argentina), Mons. Dante Braida, who is currently participating in the Synodal Assembly in Rome, shared the contents of the backpack that he carries every day to the sessions.

It is a blue backpack that was given to the 368 participants of the assembly, with some elements that were already included, such as the An instrument of labor or working document of the Synod, a bottle with the logo of the Jubilee 2025 and the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, the regulations of the synodal assembly and the schedules of the activities.

In addition, it had within it the credential that identifies the members of the Synod, and a “digital backpack”, a tablet with the documents with which they work every day, a prayer book and the presentations that are being developed, as well as what they worked on. in the groups.

To these “official” elements, Bishop Braida added his own, giving his backpack a personal touch.

First, a blue pen. He also added his laptop, and a pair of headphones to listen to the simultaneous translations of the presentations.

The bishop also carries a copy of the Bible, along with a picture of Blessed Enrique Angelelli, who was Bishop of La Rioja and conciliar father.

The prelate also added his agenda with reflections on the Synod that he was preparing during the year.

As a good Argentine, he also included his mate equipment in his synodal backpack, and on the thermos where he carries the water there are stickers from the Diocese of La Rioja.

In his pocket, Bishop Braida carries a special gift: the rosary that each of the synod members received, a gift from Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, preacher of the retreat prior to the Assembly, who recommended their daily prayer, to entrust the synod to the protection of the Virgin.

Along with their material things, they stated from the dioceseBishop Braida “carries what he lives daily as a pastor” and “the teaching of Monsignor Angelelli”, which constitute the message he has to share at the Synod.

To accompany this synodal time, the General Secretariat of the Synod gave the participants a box of chocolates in a hand-sewn bag, with the message: “Let’s Walk Together.”

The sweets were made at the Kharis Cocoa Workshop School, which employs young adults from Venezuela, and the bags were made by women from the Construyendo Futuro community center in that country.

This second part of the Synod of Synodality began on Wednesday, October 2, and will conclude on Sunday, October 27, with a Mass presided over by Pope Francis. At the beginning of the Synod, in October 2021, the Holy Father assured that this instance “is not a parliament” or “a poll of opinions”, but rather constitutes “an ecclesial moment, and the protagonist of the Synod is the Holy Spirit.”