On November 12, 2024, the UISG hosted the second Post-Synodal Assembly meeting: "Calls and Implications for Our Church."

The event gathered approximately 200 participants, both in-person and online, from various nations. The focus was to reflect on the Synod's implications for the Church, consecrated life, and local communities. The meeting created a space for listening and dialogue regarding the synodal path initiated during the Synod and exploring practical ways to implement it in the daily realities of diverse ecclesial contexts.

The event featured prominent speakers, including Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Under-Secretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod; Fr. Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, MCCJ, Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus and recently appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa by Pope Francis; Sr. Leticia Salazar, ODN, Chancellor of the Diocese of San Bernardino, joining online from the United States; and Fr. Mark Hilton, SC, Superior General of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

A Journey of Listening, Dialogue, and Community

The central theme of this meeting on synodality was the call to walk together in mutual listening, fostering relationships, and encouraging greater openness to dialogue. Synodality was emphasized as not merely a decision-making process but a true lifestyle meant to permeate every aspect of the Church—from leadership to formation, from daily practices to community choices.

Synodality in Consecrated Life

Religious communities were invited to play a leading role in this process by embodying synodal values in their decision-making processes and daily practices. Consecrated life, with its prophetic vocation, is called to witness communion, fraternity, and closeness to the poor. The message was clear: focus not only on internal relationships but also outwardly, fostering dialogue and collaboration with other religions, non-believers, and various societal realities.

Next Steps for a Synodal Church

The speakers outlined a series of concrete actions to advance the synodal journey within various ecclesial contexts:

• Continuing the synodal journey within local communities, promoting consultation and discernment, with particular attention to specific cultural contexts.
• Renewing decision-making processes within religious communities, fostering a synodal leadership model based on listening, dialogue, and consensus.
• Promoting greater inclusivity in diocesan leadership councils, ensuring more equitable and diverse representation.
• Incorporating synodality into the formation of Church members, preparing every Christian to live in a synodal context.
• Supporting the methodology of "spiritual conversation" as a tool for growth and dialogue, encouraging mutual listening and sharing.

Religious communities are called to become testing grounds for these principles, where every member is involved and heard, creating spaces for dialogue that foster unity and communion.

The Importance of Synodal Formation and Spirituality

Another central theme was the importance of continuous formation and synodal spirituality. The UISG announced that, starting next year, it will offer quarterly training courses in multiple languages to equip religious communities with the practices and methodologies of synodality. Additionally, religious leaders were encouraged to promote dialogue with laypeople, actively involving them in synodal renewal processes and in building a more inclusive and open Church.

A Journey of Hope for the Church

This meeting reminded all participants that synodality is an ongoing and dynamic journey, requiring constant commitment, patience, and perseverance. Today’s Church is called to be a community walking together, united in diversity, dedicated to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel in ways that are fresh and relevant to our time.