How can I live synodality in my parish?

From April 29th to May 2nd, the ‘Fraternal Domus’located in Sacrofano, on the outskirts of Rome, will be the stage for an important World Assembly of Parish Priests. Under the title “Parish Priests for the Synod”, The main objective of the event is to reflect on the topic “How to be a synodal local Church on mission”.

As part of the preparations for the second session of the ecclesiastical meeting, scheduled for next October, the General Secretariat of the Synod is organizing this international meeting, which will feature the participation of more than 200 parish priests from different parts of the world. It will be an opportunity for moments of prayer, listening and sharing experiences.

A Portuguese Episcopal Conference chose Father Sérgio Leal, from the Diocese of Porto, and Father Adelino Guarda, from the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima, to represent Portugal. In addition to them, Father António Bacelar, from the Diocese of Porto, will be present by direct invitation from the General Secretariat of the Synod.

Espinho Portugal City Council Rui Saraiva

In the interview, Father Sérgio Leal expressed his interest in understanding events and the different cultural approaches in different geographies and cultures. “How can the parish be the concrete place of synodal experience”, furthermore, he shares his enthusiasm and interest to be involved in this significant global gathering of parish priests in Rome, especially given his recent academic research on the topic of the synodal path.

For the Portuguese priest, despite the distinct characteristics of the various movements, he highlights that “The parish continues with great vitality and as a concrete place for the synodal experience”. And the ecclesiastical community “It is a crucial theme in synodal renewal”, states.

It is worth mentioning that Father Sérgio Leal completed his doctorate in Pastoral Theology last February, in Rome, with a thesis entitled “Pastors for a Church in constant mission”. This academic research was dedicated to study of pastoral ministry within the context of a synodal church. In 2018, he completed his graduation from this institution with a study on synodality as a pastoral approach, establishing himself as one of the main Portuguese language experts on this topic worldwide.

The conclusions reached from this important global meeting of parish priests from different parts of the world will play a significant role in the formulation of the Instrumentum Laboris, the preparatory document for the second session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled for next October.

Source: Vatican News