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The 2021-2023 Synod on Synodality: Key Documents
- Preparatory Document: https://www.synod.va/en/documents/english-version-of-thepreparatory-document.html
- Outlines the meaning of synodality, theological resources for understanding and practicing synodality in Scripture and Tradition, and central themes to explore in “journeying together” through the synodal process.
- Vademecum/Handbook: https://www.synod.va/en/documents/vademecum.html
- Guide to support the process of consultation, including methodological
suggestions and examples from recent synodal processes, a glossary of terms, and liturgical, biblical, and prayer resources.
- Guide to support the process of consultation, including methodological
- Synod Website: https://www.synod.va/en.html
Key Theological Background: A deeper exploration of the theology of synodality.
- Address of Pope Francis commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Synod of Bishops (2015): https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/october/documents/papafrancesco_20151017_50-anniversario-sinodo.html
- In this five-page address, Pope Francis briefly explains the integral relationship between synodality and the sensus fidei, or the sense of the faith. He calls for a Church that listens and envisions the structure of the Church as an “inverted pyramid,” in which clerics serve and support the people of God.
- International Theological Commission, “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church,” (2018): https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_20180302_sinodalita_en.html
- This twenty-five-page document provides a deeper theological engagement with synodality and its significance for the mission of the Church. The four chapters cover: 1) Synodality in Scripture, Tradition, and Church history; 2) The theology of synodality in light of Vatican II; 3) The structure of synodality at all levels in the Church; 4) The spiritual and pastoral conversion to listening and discernment necessary for synodality to characterize the Church.
Presentations/Podcast Resources:
- La Civiltà Cattolica English Synodality Series
- You can find this free podcast on Google, Apple, Spotify, etc. The Synodality Series offers short, 20-minute conversations with theological and practical information about synodality.
- The Tablet Webinar with Sr. Nathalie Becquart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf4ixP21R6U
- Sr. Natalie, who serves as the undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, offers a brief, 14-minute explanation of synodality in light of the vision of Pope Francis.
- “From Episcopal Collegiality to Ecclesial Synodality,” Dr. Massimo Faggioli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31KMA5kZVD0
- Dr. Faggioli, a leading Church historian, offers a more in-depth 30-minute presentation on the historical development from Vatican II to our current moment of synodality. The presentation is followed by a longer Q&A.
Articles: Brief explorations of key aspects of synodality
- Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, explains the importance of the first diocesan phase:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-09/cardinal-grech-bishops-to-engageall-the-faithful-in-the-synod.html - Pope Francis’ Vision of Synodality: https://wherepeteris.com/pope-franciss-vision-ofsynodality/
- Offers a brief overview, with a helpful bank of other video and written resources.
- A Closer Look at Synodality: https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/closer-looksynodality-and-its-promise-more-inclusive-church
- Dr. Hosffman Ospino