Meeting of the Commissions of the General Secretariat of the Synod
Rome, Casa La Salle, 25-29 April 2022
As, in different parts of the world, the listening sessions of the People of God draw to a close and the various ecclesial instances begin to pull the strings of their communal discernment, the members (about 60) of the four commissions (Theological, Spirituality, Methodological, Communication) of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops met in Rome to deepen some aspects of the reference document of the synodal journey: the 2018 Apostolic Constitution, Episcopalis Communio.
"I ask you to harmonise Episcopalis Communio with the synodal process that has begun. Not to harmonise the ongoing process with the Apostolic Constitution. We must have the courage to imagine, to follow the Spirit that guides the Church in the rediscovery of its synodal dimension," said Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, opening the meeting.
During the five days of work, the participants discussed some of the key points that have emerged during the journey so far: the sensus fidei fidelium, i.e. the contribution of the faith of the People of God to the ecclesial magisterium; episcopal collegiality and the Petrine (Papal) primacy in relation to ecclesial synodality; the relationship between discernment and ecclesial consensus; and the consultative or deliberative nature of synodal assemblies.
Particular attention was also given to the missionary dimension of the Church and its synodal structures.
The work, carried out in an atmosphere of fraternity and sharing, was marked by moments of prayer, plenary sessions and group work.
The content of the various working sessions will be published in due course in order to share the reflections carried out with the Church as a whole.
The Press Release is available in AR - ENG - ESP - FRA - ITA - POR