The Church is a Communion, a Community always journeying together. No wonder, the Church is referred to as a Pilgrim Church. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, who believes in discussion, deliberation and deciding together, finds much meaning in a Synodal Church. The purpose of convening Synod is to discuss at length religious issues that affect the life of the Church. Pope Francis wishes to carry on this process beyond the Synod of Bishops to every Diocese, so that the People of God also joyfully participate in the entire process to discern the will of God in the local as well as in the universal Church. The Holy Father himself has proposed the Theme for the forthcoming Synod Process: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”
The Archdiocese of Bangalore has marked the year 2022-23 to be the Synodal Year. Therefore, in view of this, we had inauguration of the Synodal Year in our Parish. We had a meaningful entrance dance by the Holy Spirit Candidates which put us in a celebration and prayerful mood. This was followed by the procession by the representatives of the parish which included children, young, elderly, religious and priests. We unfurled the Synod plaque and the meaning of the symbols was explained. Finally we had the prayer for the Synod. The people of God appreciated the entire event.
Later in the weeks we had presentation of the material about the purpose and the process of the Synod. We had group discussions and deliberation in the bigger groups as well as smaller groups. The entire community participated enthusiastically in the process. The fruit of the deliberations was sent to the Dean, Fr Amaldas.
March 16, 2022