Since the beginning of this synodal process in 2021, “spiritual conversations” also known as “conversations in the Spirit” have emerged as the way of proceeding on the path of synodality. ...read more

The Instrumentum laboris places the theme of Co-responsibility in the mission at the centre of  discernment (B.2). It refers to the exchange between the churches regarding communion (IL  35) and mission (IL 22, 41). ...read more

The first thing to say about communion is that it is the reality of God’s own life, the being of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In this sense, it is the most real thing there is: the ground of reality and source of the being of the Church.   ...read more

Pope Francis reflected on the witness of St. Josephine Bakhita and how she experienced inner liberation despite enduring cruelty as a slave.  ...read more

What can we expect from this current Synodal Process? Like in any process of authentic discernment that tries to hear God’s will, the short answer is that we don’t really know. ...read more

Today we begin to reflect on B.1 of the Instrumentum Laboris, ‘A Communion that radiates.’ The theme that emerged most frequently in our sessions last week was formation. So how can we all be formed for communion that overflows into mission? In John Chapter 4, we hear of the encounter of Jesus with the woman ...read more

The IL describes the Synod as a liturgical assembly in part to minimize the sense that it’s “a parliamentary structure with its dynamics of majority building” (#48). ...read more

The XVI General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of the Bishops is happening at the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. Among the over 400 participants at the Synod are participants from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. ...read more

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and the square was filled with potted plants and trees as part of September’s Season of Creation observances. ...read more

The Gospel we have just heard is preceded by the account of a difficult moment in Jesus’ mission, which we might call one of “pastoral desolation.” ...read more