Atmoldus Nota Exerp
Missionaries of Synodality
In his address to the participants of the 19th General Chapter at the Clementine Hall on Friday, June 28, 2024, Pope Francis emphasized the inseparable connection between synodality and mission. He highlighted that synodality is, by its very nature, missionary, and that true mission is always carried out in a synodal spirit. The Holy Father encouraged us to embrace our role as missionaries of synodality, urging us to promote it in every dimension of our lives and ministries. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the call to foster communion, participation, and shared discernment as we carry out the Church’s mission in the world: “Now, a third aspect: to be missionaries of synodality. A Church that “goes forth” is open to others. It is a welcoming and embracing community where the Lord lives and the Spirit is active. The Church that goes out is extroverted, while a partisan Church is introverted. Always be open, put your heart into it! Today the Church must grow in a synodal approach, listening to everyone, dialoguing with everyone, and discerning in the Holy Spirit what is her mission. Synodality is not a question of being in fashion.
“Synodality is essentially missionary Called to be Missionaries of Synodality Arnoldus Nota - November 2024 2 and, vice versa, mission is always synodal” (Message for World Mission Day, 20 October 2024). For this reason, Iencourage you to promote synodality in every aspect of your life. May every community grow and enjoy a synodal “style” whereby each member feels listened to and accepted. (…).”
When we read and reflect on the words spoken to us by Pope Francis, we feel profoundly challenged in our missionary commitment. We are called to fully embody and promote the essential elements of Synodality: openness, dialogue, mission, participation, and communion. None of these principles are unfamiliar to us; we strive to embrace the Spirit of Synodality within our communities and in our missions. Yet, this endeavor is not without its challenges. Shining the Light of Synodality.
The theme of the 19th General Chapter, “Your Light Must Shine Before Others” (Mt 5:16): Faithful and Creative Disciples in a Wounded World, invites us to reflect on how our light can truly shine in a world filled with wounds and challenges. How can we illuminate the path for others when we grapple with individualism and find it difficult to embrace confreres from diverse nations and cultures? How can we shine brightly when we yearn for leadership positions or seek to control others?
Furthermore, how do we maintain our light amid excessive desires for material goods, a lack of sincerity, and a diminishing commitment to both personal and common prayer? We must also confront the issue of clericalism, which fosters an unhealthy fixation on authority and distorts the true essence of priesthood. This mindset not only perpetuates the abuse of power and authority but also hinders the valuable contributions and participation of the laity in the life and mission of the Church.
These questions compel us to reflect on our journey with others and impel us to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Triune God. The pain and brokenness within the Church and our society urgently call us to embark on a journey of renewal and conversion. Only by confronting these challenges can we truly become the faithful and creative disciples that our world desperately needs. However, we as a human being, quoting Pope Francis, will be like a pale moon that
reflects the light of Christ our sun, to take up, faithfully and joyfully, our mission to be for the world a sacrament of that light, which is not our own.
Missionaries of Synodality
In his address to the participants of the 19th General Chapter at the Clementine Hall on Friday, June 28, 2024, Pope Francis emphasized the inseparable connection between synodality and mission. He highlighted that synodality is, by its very nature, missionary, and that true mission is always carried out in a synodal spirit. The Holy Father encouraged us to embrace our role as missionaries of synodality, urging us to promote it in every dimension of our lives and ministries. His words serve as a powerful reminder of the call to foster communion, participation, and shared discernment as we carry out the Church’s mission in the world: “Now, a third aspect: to be missionaries of synodality. A Church that “goes forth” is open to others. It is a welcoming and embracing community where the Lord lives and the Spirit is active. The Church that goes out is extroverted, while a partisan Church is introverted. Always be open, put your heart into it! Today the Church must grow in a synodal approach, listening to everyone, dialoguing with everyone, and discerning in the Holy Spirit what is her mission. Synodality is not a question of being in fashion.
“Synodality is essentially missionary Called to be Missionaries of Synodality Arnoldus Nota - November 2024 2 and, vice versa, mission is always synodal” (Message for World Mission Day, 20 October 2024). For this reason, Iencourage you to promote synodality in every aspect of your life. May every community grow and enjoy a synodal “style” whereby each member feels listened to and accepted. (…).”
When we read and reflect on the words spoken to us by Pope Francis, we feel profoundly challenged in our missionary commitment. We are called to fully embody and promote the essential elements of Synodality: openness, dialogue, mission, participation, and communion. None of these principles are unfamiliar to us; we strive to embrace the Spirit of Synodality within our communities and in our missions. Yet, this endeavor is not without its challenges. Shining the Light of Synodality.
The theme of the 19th General Chapter, “Your Light Must Shine Before Others” (Mt 5:16): Faithful and Creative Disciples in a Wounded World, invites us to reflect on how our light can truly shine in a world filled with wounds and challenges. How can we illuminate the path for others when we grapple with individualism and find it difficult to embrace confreres from diverse nations and cultures? How can we shine brightly when we yearn for leadership positions or seek to control others?
Furthermore, how do we maintain our light amid excessive desires for material goods, a lack of sincerity, and a diminishing commitment to both personal and common prayer? We must also confront the issue of clericalism, which fosters an unhealthy fixation on authority and distorts the true essence of priesthood. This mindset not only perpetuates the abuse of power and authority but also hinders the valuable contributions and participation of the laity in the life and mission of the Church.
These questions compel us to reflect on our journey with others and impel us to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Triune God. The pain and brokenness within the Church and our society urgently call us to embark on a journey of renewal and conversion. Only by confronting these challenges can we truly become the faithful and creative disciples that our world desperately needs. However, we as a human being, quoting Pope Francis, will be like a pale moon that
reflects the light of Christ our sun, to take up, faithfully and joyfully, our mission to be for the world a sacrament of that light, which is not our own.
A Publication of The Society of the Divine Word, Southern Province
Society of the Divine Word Missionaries Highlights
SVD XIX General Chapter Update
Listen to Fr. Stephan speak about hearing the call to vocations
Divine Word Missionaries were well represented at the Chrism Mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Memphis.
They are (l to r): Father Stephan Brown SVD of St Augustine Catholic Parish, Memphis, TN, Father Brandon Hiep Nguyen SVD of Sacred Heart Church, Memphis TN and Father Juan Antonio Romo Romo SVD of St. Joseph Catholic Church
They are (l to r): Father Stephan Brown SVD of St Augustine Catholic Parish, Memphis, TN, Father Brandon Hiep Nguyen SVD of Sacred Heart Church, Memphis TN and Father Juan Antonio Romo Romo SVD of St. Joseph Catholic Church
2024 SVD Chicago Province Assembly and Chapter
