The event was presided over by the Bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca and Grand Chancellor of the UPSA, Mons. José Luis Retana Gozalo, accompanied by the Rector of UPSA, Santiago García-Jalón de la Lama.
The Grand Chancellor thanked José San José for his explanations, recognizing his interesting first-hand contribution, both for the Diocese and for the University “since it will help us all,” he stated.
For his part, the Rector thanked the dean for his first-hand testimony at the Synod of Synodality, “whose importance is not lost on anyone, and time will tell about the results of that work, as well as the task we carry out.” following so faithfully the instructions of the Church,” he stressed.
José San José has made an assessment of the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops and the Final Document. For a synodal Church: communion, participation, mission’, which will influence, according to the expert, the daily life of believers.
The dean has highlighted the good atmosphere experienced among the experts of the Synod, focused, on this occasion, on debating specific topics such as the challenges of evangelization, through common work and in which decisions have been made in a collaborative manner. .
During his intervention, the dean referred to the 10 study groups, assigned by Pope Francis, that have not had a place in the Synod, such as the survival of the Eastern Catholic churches, listening to the poor, the digitalization of the mission , etc.
However, the expert has referred to a word that is common and that has been present throughout the synodal process: the call to permanent ‘conversion’, “which is a true Christian attitude.” Furthermore, as the expert indicates, it is presented in the Final Document when it is explained that Synodality is a spiritual disposition that permeates the daily life of the baptized and all aspects of the mission of the church, not a sociological strategy.
The canonist has highlighted that a synodal mission requires as the most important element listening to the word, contemplation, silence and conversion of the heart. “For this reason, a synodal path cannot be carried out if it is not with practicing believers.”
The expert has insisted that for the Synodal Church in mission, it is necessary to be in an attitude of reception of the Holy Spirit. “And that is only done through attentive listening to the word, silence, meditation. It is not a merely human issue. It is about seeking the truth in the spirit,” he highlighted.
After the Synod, the Canonistic Commission, to which the dean of Canon Law belongs, now has the task of presenting several proposals to Pope Francis for the modification of some norms. For example, in relation to the mandatory creation of Pastoral and Economic Councils in the dioceses, which will lead to the creation of cooperation structures between pastors, lay people and religious.
At the same time, the Commission is working to launch provincial councils and assemblies, and promote the participation of the faithful in decision-making.
lay ministries
Currently, the ministries of the Church are the reader, the acolyte and the catechist, accessible to men and women. But as the expert indicates, and according to the principle of decentralization requested by the Pope, the bishop or the episcopal conferences will be able to create stable ministries according to territorial needs.
José San José has insisted that, “the truly effective and already possible way for the participation of the laity in the government and in decision-making in the Church are the offices, which the bishop can entrust, also to women without discrimination.” some”.
Regarding the participation of different groups such as women, young people, people with disabilities and the poor, the Document includes their most visible participation, so that their vision can be counted on in decision-making. And in this sense, the Commission will work to present its proposal with the aim of encouraging this participation.
How does the Synod’s emphasis on “listening” challenge traditional power dynamics within the Church and open doors for new voices and perspectives?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Deconstructing the Synod of Synodality
**Headline:** Exploring the Path Forward: A Discussion on the Synod of Synodality and its Impact on the Church
**Introduction:**
Welcome listeners to World Today News. We are here today with two distinguished guests to delve into the recent Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, affectionately known as the Synod on Synodality. Joining us are **[Guest 1 Name]**, a renowned theologian specializing in [Guest 1 Expertise], and **[Guest 2 Name]**, a dedicated lay leader actively involved in [Guest 2 Role and Expertise].
**Section 1: Understanding the Synod on Synodality**
* **[Interviewer]:** Mr./Ms. [Guest 1 Name], could you paint a picture for our audience, explaining the essence of the Synod on Synodality and its primary objectives?
* **Follow-up:** Mr./Ms. [Guest 2 Name], from a lay perspective, what resonated with you most about the Synod and its discussions?
* **[Interviewer]:** The article mentions the importance of “conversion” throughout the synodal process. Could you both elaborate on what this means in the context of the Church’s mission?
**Section 2: Exploring Key Themes and Debate Points**
* **[Interviewer]:** The article highlights several key themes discussed at the Synod, including evangelization challenges, listening to the poor and marginalized, and the role of digital technology in spreading the Gospel. Mr./Ms. [Guest 1 Name], which of these discussions resonated with you most profoundly and why?
* **[Interviewer]:** Mr./Ms. [Guest 2 Name], how do you see these themes translating into concrete actions within your local community or parish?
* **[Interviewer]:** Some critics argue that focusing on synodality disrupts the hierarchical structure of the Church. How would you respond to such concerns?
**Section 3: The Future of the Church: Lay Ministries and Participation**
* **[Interviewer]:** The article mentions the potential for expanding lay ministries. Mr./Ms. [Guest 2 Name], how do you see this impacting the lives of ordinary Catholics and the Church’s engagement with the wider world?
* ** [Interviewer]:** Mr./Ms. [Guest 1 Name], what are your thoughts on the proposed changes to Church governance and the potential for greater lay involvement in decision-making?
**Section 4: Looking Forward: Implementation and Impact**
* **[Interviewer]:** Both guests, looking ahead, what do you see as the most important next steps in implementing the findings of the Synod?
* **[Interviewer]:** What potential challenges and opportunities do you foresee in bringing the vision of a synodal Church to life?
* **[Interviewer]:** what message would you like to leave with our audience regarding the ongoing dialog and evolution within the Catholic Church?
**Concluding Remarks:**
We thank Mr./Ms. [Guest 1 Name] and Mr./Ms. [Guest 2 Name] for their valuable insights and thoughtful commentary on this momentous event. To our listeners, we encourage you to continue engaging with these crucial conversations about the future of the Church.
**Note:**
Remember to adapt the questions to the specific expertise and perspectives of your guests. Use their responses to guide the flow of the interview, encouraging them to elaborate on their thoughts and engage in a lively discussion.
