We are all called to walk this synodal path
On Sunday, Oct. 17, the bells of Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart will ring with joy calling us to the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. The Mass will be the opening of the archdiocesan synodal journey, which began in Rome last weekend.
Synods, in their modern version – because they have a very long history – were instituted at the end of Vatican II. It was a regular meeting of bishops from around the world for a few weeks with an important topic to advise the Pope. During these last 50 years, these great events have been happening in an ordinary or extraordinary way.
However, this synod will not be limited to a few weeks. Instead, it will be a process in which the entire Church will participate in the synod. It is a new word for many and it may even be difficult to pronounce, but Pope Francis wants that it not only be part of our vocabulary, but also fundamental in the daily life of our Church. He wants us to be a synodal Church, that is, a Church in which we all walk hand in hand, guided by the same Spirit.
And what better way to learn something than by practicing it? The Pope invites us to participate in a two-year journey that will run from the pews of parish churches, schools, universities, religious communities, and all ecclesial institutions until it concludes in Rome in October 2023. The theme: “For a synodal Church, communion, participation, mission”.
This time it is not just about a meeting in Rome, from which news would reach us from time to time, or a document that will serve as inspiration for the future, but it will be a process in which we all are called to listen to the Holy Spirit and listen to each other. A true encounter. A process of discernment of our time “being in solidarity with the efforts and desires of humanity,” said Pope Francis.
There is no script to learn and recite. It is a consultation with all the People of God made in communion. “The pages are blank. It’s up to you to fill them out,” said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the Archbishop of Luxembourg, who will serve as the synod’s relator general.
What will this path be like? After the announcement in Rome, all the dioceses of the world will begin their diocesan process on Sunday. Each one with its particular circumstances.
In our Archdiocese of Newark, we are preparing with enthusiasm, aware that it will be a moment of grace for our diocesan Church.
Who can participate in this synod? Is this just for the clergy? No. All the baptized are invited. Pope Francis has not stopped insisting and calling on us: “The participation of all is an inalienable ecclesial commitment!”
So, let’s begin a time of prayer and listening. A time in which all – bishops, priests, deacons, men and women religious and laity – will try to answer the fundamental question: How are we living this “walking together” in our Archdiocese, and how does the Spirit invite us to grow?
As a result of the diocesan consultation, a report will be written that will summarize our voices. But the most important thing will not be answering a questionnaire, but living synodality, experiencing as a Church walking with others. Each one with our charism and our vocation, inspired by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church. Enriching the magnificent mosaic that is the People of God.
“We are all called to participate in the life and mission of the Church,” Pope Francis tells us, who invites us to what is one of his favorite themes: that we be a Church on the way out. “The Spirit asks us to listen to the questions, the anxieties, the hopes of each Church, of each village and nation. And also listening to the world, to the challenges and changes that it puts before us. Let us not soundproof the heart, we do not shield ourselves within our certainties. Let’s listen to each other.”
Also, Cardinal Tobin reminded us a few months ago: “Christians are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, but we never do this alone. We are fellow travelers, pilgrims, together with others and with Christ himself. We walk together in good times and hard times, on stormy days and on clear sunny days. We support and encourage each other, especially when one of us trips and falls.”
At the beginning of this historical moment, the verses of an Andalusian poet come to mind, more recently set to music by a singer-songwriter that we have sung so many times: “Caminante no hay camino, you make the path by walking.” We will do that. We will open the way, but not blindly, but guided by the Holy Spirit and by the hand of our brothers.
To all of you, as on the Camino de Santiago, we wish you: “Buen camino!!”
Deacon Asterio Velasco is the Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark.
