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What is the Synod on Synodality?

Pope Francis has invited all the People of God to take part in a deliberate way of "journeying together," through listening and encountering each other.  This is the definition of "Synod," as he has shared with the Church.

Pope Francis has said that the Synod's purpose is "to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands."

The main activity of the Synod is people engaging in listening opportunities in groups, one-on-one or electronically (computer, tablet or phone).

Each person in the Church is affirmed as sharing the prophetic voice of the Holy Spirit.  Through opening our hearts to one another, we invite the Holy Spirit to speak, and create opportunities to discern what God wishes to say to us, and to the world.  

The Synod is a three-part process.  This first part involves all of the People of God, coming together to listen and discern.  In Fall 2022, the Bishops of the World will gather to pray, to listen and discern what has come from the People.  In 2023, the Pope will gather with the Bishops for further prayer and listening and discernment.

We are at the beginning of these events.  Pope Francis seeks to have as many people participate as possible, and offers these words of encouragement:

"Dear brothers and sisters, let us have a good journey together! May we be pilgrims in love with the Gospel and open to the surprises of the Holy Spirit."
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