The last phase of the Synod on Synodality Consultation took place today at the SCC Youth Development Center. It was participated by 63 Sectoral Representatives coming from the four Vicariates and 3 Educational, Clergy and Religious Representatives and facilitated by 15 members of the Core Group and Extended Core Members composed by 8 Seminarians from the St. Mary’s Theologate and covered by 8 SOCCOM volunteers. This important event started with the Bible Enthronement prayer led by Fr. Michael Cabellon highlighting the Emmaus Story from the Gospel of Luke 24.
His Most Rev. Ronald Lunas, DD, STL gave the Overview of the Pre-synodal Assembly. He emphasized the need to walk together in the journey towards a genuine Synod on Synodality Church so that its vision of spreading the Good News of salvation will reach all sectors of our society.
The need for dialogue is important whereby the voice of the people from all walks of life are heard and that together our faith is strengthened and enriched even more. Bishop Bong elaborated further on the three elements of Synodality: Communion, Participation and Mission which are vital in the realization of the vision of a Synodal Church. The synodal process is a way of building bridges of cooperation and of broadening of our mindsets respecting the differences that make up our Church.
Fr. Belstar Ediang, STL, overall chairperson of the Synod Consultations of the Diocese presented the Diocesan Synthesis to the assembly which is divided into three main parts:
I. Introduction: A Re-Reading of the Synodal Experience
II. Highlights: Fruits of the Synodal Process
– Communion, Participation and Mission
III. Conclusion: For Further Discernment of the Local Church
After a hearty lunch break, a lively focused group discussion took place guided by the following questions: 1) What can you say about the results? 2) What can you add to the results? Presentation of the FGD Results followed facilitated by the assigned core group members and a summing up of the realizations shared by the different participants. Generally, there was a positive and encouraging feedback from the different groups as they added several recommendations that the Diocese should take into serious consideration such as the following: strengthen of the catechetical programs, political education, ecological conversion, reinforce the social communications ministry, livelihood programs and the intensify of the liturgical formation for the lay.
The whole day event ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with his Most Rev. Ronald Lunas as main celebrants and concelebrated by several other priests: Rev. Fr. Allan Onden, Rev. Fr. Roland Rafols, Rev. Fr. Michael Cabellon, Rev. Fr. Jonathan Carmona, Rev. Fr. Art Daquilea, OFM, Rev. Fr. Frank Pintac, Rev. Fr. Belstar Ediang, STL. The Seminarians from the Holy Infant Seminary were also present in this celebration.
Gratitude to all those who made this final Consolidating task for the Diocesan Synod on Synodality Consultations a successful one! As Bishop Bong expressed in his opening message: Walang Iwanan! Walay Biyaay! Magka-uban ta sa Panaw! Padayon ta isip Diyosesis sa Pagadian!
