Filipino Catholics attend Mass in Manila during the observance of Ash Wednesday. On March 13, the Manila Archdiocese announced that public Mass celebrations will be suspended March 14 – 20. (Photo by Basilio Sepe)
By LiCAS.News
Nov 5 2021
Many lay people, the main actors in the synodal process, seem to be not aware of what they are going into
It has been two weeks already since the start of the Church’s synodal process, the process of consultation with everyone — from parishioners to monks to members of the academe, and even non-Christians — ahead of the 2023 synod of bishops in Rome.
The Roman Catholic Church has been holding these “synods,” or gatherings, for centuries, but it is seldom, according to several observers, that these were done in such a sweeping manner wherein everyone is supposed to be involved.
The word “synod” comes from an ancient Greek term that means “coming together” or “traveling together.” History tells us that early Christian leaders would come together to pray before making decisions on matters affecting Christian communities in a particular region.
The two-year process launched by Pope Francis this month is supposed to help make Church governance “more open and inclusive of all its members.” Participants are supposed to reflect on contemporary issues — from sex scandals to climate justice to human rights — confronting the people of God.
It is interesting to note, however, that many lay people, the main actors in the process, seem to be not aware of what they are going into. Even those who are supposed to be active in the life of the institutional church are puzzled about what to do or their role in the exercise.
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