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What is Synodality?
The word is not even in the dictionary: how can we talk about it and what does it mean? Well, purely, the word Synod makes us think about a group of bishops meeting together. But if we look deeper into the meaning of the word, it expresses that all the members of God's people journey together. In a sense, it is a fruit of the Second Vatican Council where it was stressed that the Church is the people of God, in which all its members, by baptism, have equal dignity.
We live in a historical context marked by the pandemic, in which journeying together is not always an option. But we need to go beyond that and more than ever, to go ahead together. There is an African proverb that says, "If you want to go fast, walk alone, but if you want to go far, walk together, go with others". Through this Synod, Pope Francis wants to underline the fact that we must walk together as all members of the universal family. This is the meaning of synodality and this is also its importance.
In this context, we can all contribute to it by being able to listen to others, listening attentively, and living for the other by putting ourselves in front of others knowing that we can always learn from them. At the same time, it is also speaking, speaking honestly, frankly, and sometimes courageously. This kind of experience is a great gift that we can give to the Church and this is why it is important to have this process of reflection together.
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For more details on the Synodal process, please check the following websites:
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Diocese of Pittsburgh at https://diopitt.org/journeying-together
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The Vatican at https://www.synod.va/en.html
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Adsumus Sancte Spiritus
Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at
Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years. It is attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 4 April 636). As we are called to embrace this synodal path of Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to work within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace.
Here is a simplified version so we can all pray it more easily.
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Pope Francis has called a synod on synodality, a two-year process where the People of God are being invited to reflect on what it means to journey forward together as a Church.
You're being asked to participate because you are a valuable member of our Church. In this intentional process of mutual listening, Pope Francis wants us to rediscover the joy of being the People of God who journeys together, listening to everyone.
You have two opportunities to participate at St. Jude Parish on Monday, February 21 at 1:00 pm in St. Raphael Church or 7:00 pm in Sacred Heart Auditorium. If you are planning to join us, please review the pdf of the Participant's Guide.