Kickoff!

Yeah, basically it's plenary.

We had a little shindig down at the Basilica of Saint Paul's Outside the Walls today--the opening Mass for the 12th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. That's a mouthful, but it marks a very exciting moment for the Church, because it's diving into Scripture, which always brings revitalization.

And since Benedict held the Mass at St. Paul's Basilica in the Year of Saint Paul, those of us who attended can cash in on a plenary indulgence.

The Synod (#12 since 1967) will last two weeks, and with the title "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church", it involves a returning to the Second Vatican Council Document Dei Verbum, promising to launch a deeper engagement in the Scriptures in daily life.