Synodality is the constitutive dimension of the Church that expresses her way of being and operating in communion. It has been defined by the expression “walking together” which manifests the spirit of collaboration and complementarity that exists among all the faithful, including the bishops and the Pope as faithful, avoiding any attempt at clericalism or pyramidal vision. Therefore, it is not merely a functional method, but a dynamic and a way of proceeding that touches everyone and everything in the Church. The starting point is the notion of the Church as People of God, which the Second Vatican Council deepens and recognizes as the fundamental criterion for understanding the Council’s ecclesiology.
Synodality can be understood today as the deepening and maturing of the reception of this ecclesiology present in Lumen Gentium. From this, many consequences can be derived, such as thinking of new ecclesial dynamics like listening, common discernment and common decision making; or the incorporation of women at all levels of Church life; and also, the necessary revision and updating of Canon Law to favor a more co-responsible and participative Church. At the end of the week, experiences that are being carried out in the different continents will be shared and give hope.
Conference: The mission of the Church in the light of synodality today. Sandra Mazzolini.
Deepening:
The Church, People of God in a place. Raphael Luciani.
The Sensus fidei in the life and mission of a synodal Church. Ormond Rush
The Contribution of Women to a Synodal Church. Dorothea Sattler
Open ways and challenges in the Code of Canon Law for a co-responsible and participative Church co-responsible and participatory. Carmen Peña
Experiences:
Theological and pastoral contributions to synodality in Asia. Shaji George Kochuthara.
Theological and pastoral contributions to synodality in Africa. Josée Ngalula
Theological and Pastoral Contributions to Synodality in Latin America. Carolina Bacher
Theological and pastoral contributions to synodality in Europe. Christian Bauer
Theological and Pastoral Contributions to Synodality in North America. Catherine Clifford
I found the first week very good, especially the deepening and also the testimony of Margit Eckholt. I wonder can we have the texts?
Thank you so much for this course and for your reply.
Sr. Benedict Thissen ocso.
thanks for all the lectures so far they are so interested to be participated
Synods and Councils have been part of the Church’s tradition to develop the Church’s theology and ecclesiology and to address challenges of major concerns. This present universal synod seeks to advance the pneumatological dimension of the Church; characterized by listening to one another and all listening to what the Holy Spirit says to the Church. This means that the voice of all the baptized and not only that of the clergy and religious should be heard. All the baptized should be carried along to enhance active participation of all from planning, decision making, and implementation of the Church’s strategic plans and mission. What has come up very strongly across countries is the need to listen to women, young people, and the vulnerable or wounded as a process of inclusion, healing, and growth. Those who are skeptical or suspicious of this universal synod are probably those who have no experience with a synod in their dioceses and what immense benefits it brings.
Enriching material notes.