The consultative phase of the 16th Synod of Bishops, on the theme, For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission, has been completed. But to many of us, synodality remains an obscure concept.
The first phase of the consultations, called the “diocesan phase,” was conducted by dioceses worldwide, resulting in a unique global experience of listening. However, restrictions on social gatherings due to the Covid-19 pandemic in some places inevitably caused difficulties.
As part of its 10-month consultation, which started in October 2021, the Diocese of Hong Kong organised briefings, seminars, and training sessions on responding to the questionnaire that was issued as part on the synodal process. The Diocesan Consultation Committee received roughly 1,300 responses, and its report was submitted to Rome in mid-August.
The diocese organised 13 gatherings attended by 1,200 people and 170 spiritual conversations for over 930 people during the diocesan phase. This process has helped raise awareness among the parishioners about how the Church intends to grow itself as a synodal Church and what the synodal style means for the parishes, the diocese, and the universal Church.
Now that the diocesan phase is completed, we run the risk of letting this valuable process in our parishes and communities lie dormant until after the pope’s post-synodal apostolic exhortation is released sometime in 2024. This would defeat the spirit of the synodal process.
The journey towards the synod entered its second phase, “the Continental Phase,” on August 26. Of 114 episcopal conferences, 103 have sent in reports based on diocesan consultations. As hopes and expectations mount, criticisms are also ripe about the process so far and about the possible outcome of the Synod. Some are too fearful, while others are too impatient for such a long and painstaking process, which a commentator has dubbed as “the greatest gamble of this papacy. It may succeed in bringing greater unity to the Church, or it could result in greater conflict and division.”
What are the chances of a successful Synod? Can we, the Church, heal an already wounded and divided Body of Christ by listening, discerning and walking together? How can everyday Catholics relate to synodality? Does listening to diverse voices in discerning the Church’s life risk the time-tested teachings, traditions and fundamental principles of the Church? Perhaps we rely too much on our intelligence to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and are too attached to our own views to be open to God’s will.
The little experiences gained from the diocesan phase must be valuable lessons for our parishes and communities. This process itself should be considered more important than its results. The experience of prayer—and the process of listening and discernment as a way of healing divisions and building the community—must be cherished and nurtured further. If we are not true to this process, the results are meaningless.
Mario Cardinal Grech, the general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, believes that a synodal Church will help us address the conflicts and difficulties facing the People of God and society: “Though we know we are God’s people, we sometimes move in segments: clergy, laity, religious and bishops. I would like to see the People of God moving onwards together.” jose, CMF
