Enriching experience at Synod

Mar 27, 2024

In a recent interview on KekitaanFM, Anna Teresa Amandus, from the Diocese of Sandakan, shared her experiences and views on the Synod on Synodality, which concluded in October 2023 and is set to reconvene for its second session in October this year.

Anna Teresa is one of two delegates from Malaysia personally selected by Pope Francis as a voting member for the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod, in October 2023.

Throughout the engaging two-hour discussion with DJ Watitir, Anna recounted several memorable moments, including a personal encounter with Pope Francis, sharing a table with seven bishops, two cardinals, and a priest, undertaking reporting duties, and visiting the catacombs and the Vatican museum.

Discussing her role as a voting member, Anna highlighted her participation in casting votes on various issues during the first session, with these topics slated for deeper examination at the second session later this year. She shed light on the synthesis report, clarifying its aim to explore themes and discussions from the synod, stressing that it seeks to offer a holistic view on universal experiences rather than focusing on specific, localised issues. According to Anna, “It’s about bringing together bishops, priests, cardinals, laypeople, and religious to share perspectives and provide a comprehensive outlook on the synod’s discussions.”

As the Pastoral Administrator of the Diocese of Sandakan, attending the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, enriched her understanding of the challenges bishops face and their commitment to their spiritual responsibilities.

Another interesting experience Anna had during the synod was the “Conversation in the Spirit,” which is the journey of alternating conversation and reflection in an atmosphere of prayer, silence, and listening, fully to the Holy Spirit. “Through this ‘Conversation in the Spirit’, each participant has time to share or speak, usually limited to three to four minutes, if it exceeds time... the microphone will be turned off. ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ encourages all participants to listen and dialogue, not debate!”

In anticipation of the second session of the Synod, Anna is actively participating in the preparations for the 2026 Malaysia Pastoral Conference and training 50 facilitators in spiritual conversation. This initiative, encouraged by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, aims to embed spiritual conversation as a core practice in the diocese’s gatherings, seminars, and meetings, reflecting a deeper commitment to fostering a culture of dialogue and reflection within the community.