Jubilee for Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies:

Walking Together in Love

Pat Boyle, CSJ

Synodality: a way of journeying together through listening and speaking to one another and the Holy Spirit.

In a world increasingly marked by polarization and intolerance of differences, our charism of unifying love resonates profoundly with what synodality is calling the Church and each of us to be about going forward. 

I represented the Archdiocese of Boston as one of the members of the Diocesan Synodal Team at the Jubilee for Synodal Teams at the Vatican from October 24-26. There were approximately 2,000 lay women and men, religious, priests, and bishops from all seven continents who participated in this extraordinary experience. Our time together included the opportunity for prayer, as well as presentations about synodality by theologians and practitioners from all around the world who are engaged in the implementation of “Final Document of the Synod” (October 2024).  The atmosphere in our gathering was electric, spirit-filled and joyous! Everyone shared the conviction that the synodal process will help the Church in its primary role, which is to be missionary, announcing the Gospel.  

Our gathering opened with an inaugural address by Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, who reminded us that “in the context of synodality, these times offer us a profound invitation to reimagine how the Church listens, discerns, and walks together.”  After his talk, we were honored by the presence of Pope Leo XIV who engaged with speakers from each continent. It was clear from the different responses he gave to each speaker that taking synodality seriously is a necessary action at this time. He also spoke to the issue of climate change as an urgent crisis being faced. It was thrilling not only to be in this gathering with him, but also deeply moving to hear him respond to several of the speakers in English!

On the morning of October 25th, all participants joined a “Conversation in the Spirit” with people from our individual language groups. I was fortunate to be the facilitator in an English-speaking group with people from Australia, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Poland and Switzerland.  While there was a great deal of commonality shared about difficulties, there were also many hopeful signs that people have been witnessing where synodality is being worked at and taking root. The remainder of the day was devoted to presentations and seminars on topics related to practical approaches to the implementation of synodal practices. A consistent theme throughout the day was that synodality requires listening, discernment, and walking together side-by-side in faith. 

OSSERVATORE ROMANO

OSSERVATORE ROMANO

On Sunday morning Pope Leo celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica with all who participated in the Jubilee for Synods.  In his homily, (link here: The Pope spoke clearly that synodality is to be the way of the Church going forward.  He reminded us: “Being a synodal Church means recognizing that truth is not possessed, but sought together, allowing ourselves to be guided by the restless heart in love with Love.”  He continued, “Let us commit ourselves to building a Church that is entirely synodal, ministerial and attracted to Christ and therefore committed to serving the world.  May the Lord grant us this grace: to be rooted in God’s love so that we may live in communion with one another and be, as a Church, witnesses of unity and love.”

Synodality can be the balm our world needs leading to greater communion, participation and mission – by listening, discerning and walking together in love.