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The 2021-2023 Synod: We start by listening Story by Janet Marcel Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Rome in October 2021 to begin the preparation process for the upcoming Synod of Bishops, officially titled “Synod 2021-2023, For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The Synod of Bishops was established by Pope Paul VI, on Sept. 15, 1965, in response to the desire of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council to keep alive the spirit of collegiality engendered by the conciliar experience. The word “synod”, derived from two Greek words syn meaning “together” and hodos meaning “road” or “way,” means a “coming together.” The Synod, generally speaking, can be defined as an assembly of bishops representing the Catholic episcopate, having the task of helping the pope in the governing of the universal church by rendering their counsel (https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/ documents/rc_synod_01011995_profile_en.html). In the words of Pope Francis, the Synod of Bishops is a body that “manifests the solicitude of the College of Bishops for the needs of the People of God and for communion 30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • February 2022
among the churches.” Furthermore, the role of the Synod of Bishops is primarily that of “listening to the people of God,” and as such is the “suitable instrument to give voice to the entire people of God” (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/ church/news/2019-10/what-is-synod-bishops-faq.html). Bishop Shelton J. Fabre explains that this year Pope Francis has decided to do something new with the synod. “This year’s topic is to reflect on the church’s role in listening and journeying with others – a concept that he calls ‘synodality.’ The desire of Pope Francis is to provide an opportunity for the worldwide church to reflect on how the church fosters this gathering of people from all backgrounds, listens to them, and accompanies them in their walks of life.” Father Patrick Riviere, diocesan director of the Office of the Priesthood and liaison for the diocesan Office of Parish Support who is serving as diocesan contact for the Synod of Bishops, says the purpose of the Synod of Bishops is to assist the pope in reorienting the church in a posture
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