Journeying together along the synodal pathway

Cardinal Nichols listens to inmates as they share their experience of the Church during a synodal pathway listening session.

LISTENING IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE'RE DOING

© Andy Aitchison

Journeying together along the synodal pathway

POPE FRANCIS HAS invited all the faithful in the worldwide Church to embark on a synodal pathway to journey together through respectful listening and mutual support. As Cardinal Nichols explains: ‘Listening is at the heart of what we’re doing. It is the heart of this whole process. Listening attentively, active listening, giving our full attention to another person, and not simply waiting for our turn to speak, is so important. And it is humbling. In this kind of listening we not only come to understand what another is saying, but we also begin to sense their goodness.’

Through respectful listening and dialogue, the faithful are called to discern what the Holy Spirit is asking of the Church. In heeding Jesus’ invitation to follow him, the faithful are called to produce profit for his Kingdom by serving all in their community and the wider society.

Listening to each other at the diocesan synodal gathering.