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Agustin Paz's avatar

Wow, what a powerful and hopeful synthesis of the Church synodal journey! Deep gratitude for your reflections.

I have followed the recent 3 year path initiated by Pope Francis (santo subito!) to improve our focus on the key dimensions of a more synodal spirituality & church: communion, participation & mission. Unfortunately, the range of my parish’s & diocese’s embrace of synodality has been lukewarm at best, to almost active resistance. However, Pope Francis’ recent passing has led me to challenge myself about what is my work to do locally with the gift of enthusiasm for synodality that I have been given.

Your lecture will be a fruitful field to cultivate in my efforts to be more intentional about living synodally daily! There is so much there to ruminate on and learn from, but for now I want to highlight two almost passing comments from the Q&A at the end that will stay with me:

(Not direct quotes, but I hope I was listening truthfully.)

Leadership is not about who is in charge, but rather how to engage, enhance & support the gifts of those we lead.

Then there is your very insightful definition of synodality as the nervous system of the Body of Christ that we are.

I pray that you will continue to develop your views on synodality, complimented by more first hand experiences, especially regarding the evolution of a more synodal spirituality.

BTW: I don’t know how the Sede Vacante will impact the promised release of a more pratical local implementation plan and guidance, but the initial target date was sometime this month.

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Paula Ruddy's avatar

You did an excellent job on the lecture about synodality at Clarke, Matthew. You made the vision very clear. Audiences always seem to go strategic. "How do we get to those ideals?" Not really fair to ask a theologian, but what kind of professional should that bishop employ to help him out? You had to wear both hats and did it well. Maybe the Vatican should include some organizational road maps?

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Elias Crim's avatar

Eager to watch this--thanks for posting!

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