SW News:

More than 3,000 young people from 40 different nations are expected to attend the prayer vigil on Saturday, September 30, from 5 to 7 pm. During his weekly Sunday Angelus recitation, Pope Francis invited all believers to the upcoming prayer vigil for the Synod that will take place next Saturday in St. Peter's Square. 

The Holy Father renewed his invitation to participate in the ecumenical prayer vigil titled "Together," to prepare for the Synodal Assembly on October 4. Twelve members of diverse Christian traditions, including Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, will be present with Pope Francis. 

Sr. Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, stated earlier this month during a press conference in the Vatican that the main objective of the vigil is to commit the Synod to the Holy Spirit. 

In addition, she added, it would show "commitment to unity and peace in this world torn apart by so many divisions" and "the importance of prayer" for the harmony of the globe. 

From October 4-29, the Vatican will host the Synod's General Assembly.  A pilgrimage for participants, scheduled for the afternoon of October 12, will be one of the major events; specifics of the journey have not yet been finalized. 

The Prayer for Migrants and Refugees will be led by Pope Francis on the evening of Thursday, October 19, in St. Peter's Square. Additionally, on Wednesday, October 25, the Holy Father will preside over the Holy Rosary recital in the Vatican Gardens. 

On October 4, a solemn Mass will mark the beginning of the Synod's General Assembly. The General Assembly of the Synod will come to an end on Sunday, October 29, with a solemn Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. The General Assembly will consist of 464 participants, including 365 voting members, 54 of whom are women and two Chinese.