The Synod on Synodality represents a new and exciting phase in the life of the Church. This phase deepens the ecclesiology of the People of God developed at the Second Vatican Council and invites us to generate processes of conversion and reform of relationships, communicative dynamics and structures in the Church. This will require a process of common discernment and formation in the short, medium and long term to stimulate the awareness of a Church lived and understood in a synodal key. As Pope Francis said on September 18, 2021, a few days before the opening of the Synod on Synodality:

“The theme of synodality is not the chapter of a treatise on ecclesiology, and even less a fashion, it is not a slogan or a new term to be used and instrumentalized in our meetings. No! Synodality expresses the nature of the Church, its form, its style and its mission. Therefore, we speak of a synodal Church, thus avoiding that we consider it to be a title among others or a way of thinking about it, foreseeing alternatives”.

This online course aims to provide some elements that encourage us to commit ourselves to the construction of an institutional model for the Church of the third millennium. A Church that is all synodal. This is the invitation that the current Synod makes to us when it states, in its Preparatory Document, that “the meaning of the journey to which we are all called consists, above all, in discovering the face and the form of a Synodal Church, in which “each one has something to learn. Faithful people, Episcopal College, Bishop of Rome: one in listening to the others; and all in listening to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17), in order to know what it says to the Churches (Rev 2:7)”. The Bishop of Rome, as the principle and foundation of the Church’s unity, asks all the bishops and all the particular Churches, in which and from which the one and only Catholic Church exists (LG 23), to enter confidently and boldly on the path of synodality” (Preparatory Document of the Synod on Synodality 15). This is the sentiment and motivation of all those who have made this course possible. We hope that it will be a contribution to the synodalization of the whole Church and its practical living out in the midst of ecclesial communities.

Over the course of several weeks, a series of pre-recorded videos will be offered —lectures, in- depth talks and concrete experiences— that will allow us to learn about and deepen our understanding of the history, theology and practice of synodality. The first week offers an overview of the history of synodality. The second week will deepen its theology and ecclesiology. Finally, the third and last week reflects on how to integrate synodality in pastoral life and ministry. One of the great challenges today is to make synodality a living and daily experience that inspires the way of being and living of all men and women in the Church, and that favors synergy among the various ministries, charisms, gifts and services.