The clergy of the Archdiocese of Bombay gathered on December 12th at St. Pius X Seminary, where His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias shared his reflections on the recently concluded Synod on Synodality. Following a prayer service, the Cardinal described the Synod as a historic milestone for the Church, encapsulated in a comprehensive final document of 155 paragraphs. He emphasized that this document is not merely a summary but a roadmap for the Church’s ongoing mission and transformation, rooted in Scripture, tradition, and the lived experiences of the People of God.
A Journey of Communion and Mission
Cardinal Gracias traced the three-year journey of the Synod, which began with the Church’s call to walk together, modelled after the disciples’ encounter with the Risen Christ. This process has fostered harmony amidst diversity, uniting the faithful in a shared mission. The final document challenges the Church to confront human suffering and injustice, resonating deeply with the realities of the modern world.
A Grassroots Beginning
The Synodal process began at the grassroots, advancing through diocesan, national, and continental stages. The Cardinal recalled the Archdiocesan Synod meeting held in June 2022, where five key areas of concern were identified:
1.A Faith-filled Church: Emphasizing faith as the cornerstone of mission.
2. A Collaborative Church: Encouraging participation in the mission and vision of the universal Church.
3. An Inclusive Church: Ensuring a welcoming community for all.
4. A Relevant Church: Reading and responding to the signs of the times in the spirit of Vatican II.
5. A Church for the Poor: Advocating for justice and compassion for the marginalized and oppressed.
During the Continental stage in Bangkok, the Synod’s vision for Asia aligned seamlessly with the FABC’s mission. Anchored in Vatican II’s call for renewal, the Synod reaffirmed that every baptized Christian is a missionary disciple, embracing unity in diversity.
A Spirit-led Process
The Synod began with a three-day spiritual retreat, setting the tone for prayerful discernment. The first session featured unprecedented inclusivity, with 368 participants—including 96 non-bishops—granted voting rights. This inclusivity was mirrored in the “coffee table system,” fostering collaborative discussions rooted in the Word of God and characterized by “conversation in the Spirit.” Silence after every few speakers allowed for deeper reflection.
Despite challenges—such as the absence of parish priests and occasional lack of focus—the Synod maintained an atmosphere of openness and discernment. The working document, Instrumentum Laboris, laid the groundwork for the second session in October 2024, continuing the Church’s journey of reflection and dialogue.
The Second Session: A Call to Repentance
Before the second session, synod members participated in a retreat that concluded with a penitential liturgy presided over by Pope Francis on October 1st in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Father underscored the importance of repentance, stating, “How could we be credible in mission if we do not recognize and acknowledge our mistakes?”
The liturgy included testimonies from individuals affected by abuse, war, and indifference. Confessed sins included offenses against peace, creation, Indigenous populations, migrants, and others. The session emphasized that synodality requires repentance, conversion, and a recognition of God’s mercy. Through communal healing and dialogue, the Church experiences renewal.
Eucharist and Mission
Central to the Synodal vision is the Eucharist, the source of unity and nourishment for the Church’s mission as one Body of Christ. Baptism integrates believers into Trinitarian communion and mission, reinforcing the Church’s call to proclaim the Gospel.
Preferential Option for the Poor
The final document reaffirms the Church’s preferential option for the poor, echoing Christ’s identification with the marginalized. It calls for addressing systemic injustices, engaging other religions for peace, and fostering unity in diversity. This mission counters societal individualism and division, witnessing God’s unity and love.
Engaging the Marginalized
The Synod highlights the importance of including those on the peripheries, such as migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities. The elderly and youth are recognized as vital contributors to the Church’s renewal, fostering intergenerational relationships.
Women in the Church
The document emphasizes the integration of women’s contributions into the Church’s mission, reflecting their dignity as co-heirs in Christ and enhancing the Church’s capacity for holistic witness.
A Prophetic Mission
The Church is called to be a prophetic voice addressing societal inequalities, systemic injustices, and ecological crises. The Synod advocates for transparency in governance, ethical engagement in the digital world, and collaboration with other Christian communities and religions.
Looking Ahead
The Synod’s journey concludes with a call for ongoing ecclesial conversion. It is not a one-time event but a continuous process of renewal. In 2025, study groups will present reports on ten key areas, including the relationship between Eastern and Latin Churches, the cry of the poor and the earth, and the mission in the digital environment. The final document serves as a mirror and guide, reflecting the Church’s current realities while pointing toward the future. It calls for deepening communion, fostering participation, and renewing the Church’s mission. Through synodality, the Church journeys together toward the fullness of life in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit.