Editor’s Note

Since its launch in all dioceses worldwide in October 2021, the Synod on Synodality themed, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’ has evoked mixed responses, ranging from excitement and optimism to indifference and cynicism.

Jun 24, 2022


By Patricia Pereira
Since its launch in all dioceses worldwide in October 2021, the Synod on Synodality themed, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’ has evoked mixed responses, ranging from excitement and optimism to indifference and cynicism.

A cynic was heard saying, “Why even bother? If at all lucky, we’ll probably get a one-line mention somewhere in a footnote.”

Perhaps it’s not so much about whether our local synodal responses will receive a commendation or mention at the Synod in Rome next year. As mentioned by Massimo Faggioli in his article Synodus Locuta (Pg 11), it could be a case of Roma locuta, causa finite – “Rome has spoken, the discussion is over.”

But this thought should not dampen our enthusiasm. Our responses to the questionnaire, the process of ‘Encounter, Listen, Discern, Deliberate’ should become our blue print, our road map for the future of our parish, diocese and the local Church as a whole.

Yes, once again sceptics may say that we are merely repeating a process that has been taking place at the Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Conventions (PMPC). These are some of the grievances that continue to be raised by frustrated church-goers … ‘What has become of all those priorities and core needs that have been identified at each PMPC … the post-PMPC pastoral statements issued by the bishops … the arch/diocesan five-year plan …’?

To the cynics amongst us, perhaps now is the time for us to listen to the Spirit, and to each other, with love and compassion. While a majority are listening to the Holy Spirit, there are still some who Pope Francis describes as the ones who “put the Spirit in a cage” and are “pouring new wine into old wineskins,” respectively.

There is a great hope that our efforts in this synodal process will bear much fruit. There is hope that we will be able to dismantle the walls within the Church so that new structures can facilitate dialogue and interaction within the People of God.

Our Pre-Synod Assemblies, study days and the upcoming national synod assembly is not about fulfilling a to-do list by the arch/bishops, but should be a meaningful and purposeful process meant to be inclusive of our entire Catholic Church, so that everyone has a voice and an opportunity to take ownership of their faith, and to reflect on where it is that the direction and the priorities of the arch/dioceses should be set to best serve our local Church in the upcoming years.
The emphasis of the Synod is on listening rather than preaching. The Church realises that there is no alternative to listening. It is aware that unless people are allowed to speak without conditions, control or fear – as was the practice in the early Church — it will lead to a much bigger crisis than it faces now.

The Pre-Synod Assemblies gave our bishops and clergy a chance to listen in a really focused and particular way, and it gave us, the faithful, a chance to speak in a way that is genuine and know we’re being heard. It gives the Holy Spirit a chance to work in both ways.

I believe one important aspect which we have discovered through this faith exercise is seeing people’s care for the Church, their willingness to share their experiences and ideas and their hopes for the future, despite whatever hurts and wounds some of them may have experienced.

Archbishop Julian Leow, in his speech at the Pre-Synod Assembly of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur rightly said, “If there is an illness in the diocese, we need to treat it. If we sweep it under the carpet or cover the wound and pray it will be healed, it will only get worse.” (KL Archdiocese closes Pre-Synod Assembly)

At the end of the day, our goal should be the renewal that takes place after the synod. It is my hope that the Pre-Synod Assemblies and the Synod will result in several byproducts – that it will strengthen the local Church through unity, healing, evangelism, re-engagement, catechesis and hope.

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