Pope Francis has inaugurated the second assembly of the Synod on Synodality with a Mass attended by over 400 priests, bishops and cardinals at St Peter’s Square,Rome.
In his homily, he urged the synod delegates to avoid imposing personal “agenda” during the nearly month-long discussions, emphasising the importance of collective listening.
He advised that they should be careful not to treat their contributions as points to defend or agenda to enforce.
“Otherwise, we risk engaging in dialogues among the deaf, where each seeks to advance their own causes without truly hearing others or, most importantly, the voice of the Lord,” he said.
The assembly, running from October 2 to 27, 2024, is a significant phase in the church’s global synodal process, which commenced three years ago.
Following conversations from the October 2023 synod assembly, the 368 voting delegates are expected to produce a final report advising Pope Francis on enhancing the church’s “communion, participation and mission.”
With some controversial topics sidelined, discussions will likely centre on practical proposals for establishing a ministry of listening and accompaniment, increasing lay involvement in parish operations, and enhancing the influence of parish councils and bishops’ conferences.
The opening Mass commenced at 9:30am on October 2, under partly cloudy skies, featuring a procession that included 76 cardinals, 320 bishops and numerous priests and lay delegates, including Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Highlighting the theme, “Listening and Unity,” Pope Francis stated that, “Ours is not a parliamentary assembly but a space for listening in communion.”
He further clarified that the focus should not be on majorities and minorities, but rather on achieving harmony through the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit is the master of harmony, capable of creating a single voice from many diverse voices,” he added.
The assembly follows a similar format to last year’s, involving daily prayers, theological reflections and group discussions by language.
However, more controversial topics from last year’s assembly, such as women deacons and “synodal” formation for future priests, have been allocated for study by 15 specialised groups formed last year.
This assembly is the culmination of a multi-year global process involving diocesan, national and continental stages.
Discussions this month are expected to address a variety of proposals, including the expanded role of women in diocesan leadership and the recognition of bishops’ conferences as “ecclesial subjects endowed with doctrinal authority.”
As part of the assembly’s preparation, participants attended a two-day retreat, concluding with a penitential vigil at St Peter’s Basilica, where they shared personal experiences of trauma due to sexual abuse, war and the plight of migrants.
In his homily, Pope Francis emphasised the need for listening, urging delegates to “receive all contributions collected during these three years with respect and attention, in prayer and in the light of the word of God.”
He stressed the importance of discerning God’s voice in these discussions.
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