The Worldwide Synod, Part 2…

The first phase of Pope Francis’ worldwide synod is wrapping up, and the Archdiocese of Louisville has completed our 10-page synthesis of the listening sessions held all over the archdiocese. In total there were 120 in-person sessions held and 2,389 people participated. In reading the synthesis I am struck by how much of the hurts and hopes that were expressed in our own sessions are echoed in hearts across the archdiocese. Central to the synodal process is the belief that in listening to one another we listen to the Holy Spirit. And it certainly looks like the Holy Spirit has some things for us as an archdiocese to hear.

The second phase of the process is for the US bishops to gather all of the syntheses of dioceses across the country, and with the bishops of Canada, who are doing this process for their own dioceses, to prepare a synthesis for North America. This will then be used with the other continental syntheses in discussions when bishops and other representatives come together in Rome in the Fall of 2023.

Here are the links for the archdiocese’ synthesis as well as reflection questions that come out of it. I encourage you to read and pray, listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Click here to read “Journeying Together” the Archdiocesan Synthesis Report

Click here for reflection questions on the Synod Synthesis Report

…And if you’re wondering how the synod is going internationally, this is an article from the London Tablet about the synthesis document for England and Wales:

Church must be more inclusive and use gifts of women, says synod report

-Fr Lou