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The opening session of the Synod on Synodality in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall in October 2024 (CNA/Daniel Ibanez)

Ahead of the 2028 ecclesial assembly for the Synod on Synodality, the Vatican has called on dioceses to provide an assessment of their implementation of synodality. Source: EWTN News.

The General Secretariat of the Synod yesterday published the document “Recollecting”, providing diocesan synodal teams with a resource to draft their reflections on their progress since the diocesan phase began in October 2021.

In the accompanying press release, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the synod, explained that the notes were intended to help local Churches “recollect” their synodal journey with gratitude.

“Evaluation is not a technical exercise but an experience of gratitude and truth,” Cardinal Grech said. “Recollecting means recognising what the Lord has brought to maturity in the journey of our communities and allowing ourselves to be guided towards the next steps.”

The recollecting phase is part of the 2028 preparation for synodal teams and will culminate in a broader reflection during the first half of 2027. Each diocese is to prepare two documents around that time: a narrative report and a letter to the other Churches.

The document “Recollecting” called for discussions about the challenges facing synodality at the local level, including resistance.

“Particular attention should be given to the difficulties encountered, resistance to renewal, obstacles that have hindered the journey, unsuccessful attempts and questions that remain open,” the document stated.

FULL STORY

Vatican calls for assessment of synodality implementation ahead of 2028 assembly (By Ishmael Adibuah, EWTN News)