Synod 2021–2024

Several common themes emerged in responses from Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

“It is striking to hear from so many parts of the world where people had the opportunity to take part in a true synodal consultation like this, allowing them to pray together, to listen to each other, to dialogue on the fundamental question of the synod and the 10 themes, that they experience joy.”

We saw gaps and closed doors in our work of evangelization,” the bishops said.

“I feel honored to be listening and to know that this is important work for the Church — something I can do for Jesus. Jesus would be listening, too.”

The Plenary Council takes place alongside a change of emphasis in the church, driven by Pope Francis, in preparation for the 2023 Synod of Bishops on synodality in Rome.

Many also witness that experiencing this type of mutual listening, they understand that the change in style of being Church, even before being a doctrinal or structural matter, is a personal conversion to which each and every baptized person is called.

“We should not simply ‘do the synod’ and then forget the disciplines it called us to. Rather, we should let this experience inform our future activities. This will be occasioned by a patient discernment marked by a desire to accompany, to listen, to know, to love and to give our lives over to Christ.”

Catholic priests from dioceses across Vietnam will compete in the first-ever national soccer championship to promote the spirit of synodality.