Taking the synodal process to the grassroots

Dec 11, 2021

By Caroline Liew
There will be three major events that require the involvement of clergy, religious and faithful in the Keningau Diocese.

They are the two-year Synodal process, 12th Keningau Diocese’s Catholic Assembly (PUKAT-12) in 2023, and the Pan-Malaysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC) which will be held in 2026.

These were the focus of discussion during a pastoral visit to Senagang Zone led by Fr David Gasikol on November 16.

The zone consists of five Catholic Communities (KUK), namely KUK St Yohanes Penginjil Senagang, KUK St Maria Goretti Gaulan, KUK Our Lady of Lourdes Kitung, KUK St Anne Meninipir and KUK St Joseph Sigapon.

The pastoral visit was held at KUK St Joseph Sigapon where Fr David and his team conducted three sessions of catechesis, followed by the celebration of Holy Mass, concelebrated by Fr Joseph Gapitang.

The first session, “Year of St Joseph” was by Imelda Denis who guided the faithful in reflecting on how to know and emulate the character of St Joseph. Imelda elaborated the fatherly and saintly aspects of St Joseph as explained in Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, Patris Corde.

In the second session, Nancy Nelly presented The Church Synodal Process: Communion, Participation and Mission and the preparation of PUKAT 12 which is scheduled in 2023, as well as the Pan Malaysia Pastoral Convention (PMPC) in 2026.

The participants were briefed on the rationale of large-scale programmes (synodality process, PUKAT-12 and PMPC) for the Catholic Church where priests, religious and the faithful come together to Celebrate in Community Fellowship, Participate to Listen and Walk Together to carry out the Mission in the Light of God (Isaiah. 2: 2-5).

For the youth, Fr David Gasikol re-echoed the spirit of the World Youth Day theme for the young people at KUK St Joseph so that they might Arise and bear witness (Acts 26:16). During his homily, Fr David said, “Looking at all three sessions throughout the day and in accordance with today's reading, we are reminded of one word which is ‘Diligence’.

“Diligence must be followed by action, because without action, without doing anything, there will be neither change nor good.”

“Therefore,” said Fr David, “We are called specifically in our diocese as God’s people to walk together in the Unity, Faithfulness and Holiness of Jesus Christ to remain God’s diligent people.

“God is always and faithfully with us, so we are also called to do the same.” --Catholic Sabah

Prayer for the Synod

Adsumus Sancte Spiritus

We stand before You,
Holy Spirit,
as we gather together
in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home
in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us
down the wrong path
nor partiality influence
our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey
together to eternal life
and not stray from
the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in
every place and time,
in the communion of the
Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.

Links to Synod questionnaires

KOTA KINABALU ARCHDIOCESE
https://forms.gle/N9FW9FXBGmsrvnxA7


PENANG DIOCESE
Simple questionnaire https://forms.gle/hHqNadwtYnavaZ9r8

Elaborated questionnaire https://forms.gle/yFJ7XNLgFSz8juvdA

MALACCA JOHORE DIOCESE
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Vpt3BKv_SYA7_CmnAKPsFFp75hoiu3SKxAqn1EiS4gA/edit?usp=sharing

MIRI DIOCESE
https://forms.gle/nNaru6ApiajT8Ad49