Although the Oct. 5-19 Synod of Bishops on the family may be primarily a gathering of prelates, during the opening two days of the meeting it’s largely been the laity who have stolen the show.

“Since this is a summit on family issues, the synod invited 12 married couples from around the world to be among a group of what’s known as “auditors,” meaning people who take part in discussions but don’t get a vote.

“So far, however, the lack of voting rights hasn’t prevented these couples from making an impression.”

By John L. Allen, Jr., on Cruxnow.com — Click here to read the rest of this story.