Rwandan Catholic Bishops participated in a five-day training aimed at forming “true missionaries of synodality.” Led by Bishop Edouard Sinayobye, the training involved around 50 delegates discussing how to become a more Synodal Church. Fr. Giacomo Costa facilitated the sessions, emphasizing inclusion and the necessity of a listening process. Mario Cardinal Grech noted the ongoing nature of the Synod on Synodality, highlighting the significance of local contexts.
In Rwanda, Catholic Bishops recently participated in a five-day training session organized by the country’s “school of Synodality.” This initiative aims to cultivate “true missionaries of synodality,” as indicated in a press release dated March 7, following the training conducted from March 2 to 6.
The training comprised approximately 50 delegates, including members of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda (CEPR), clergy, religious men and women, and laity. They delved into the question: “How can we become more and more a Synodal Church in mission in Rwanda?” Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of the Cyangugu Catholic Diocese emphasized the importance of forming true “missionaries of synodality” within Christian communities.
Participants drew insights from the 52-page document from the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which took place from October 2 to 27, 2024. Bishop Sinayobye noted the opportunity to enrich their understanding of key themes through discussions and Lectio Divina, enhancing their capacity for listening and discernment.
Bishop Sinayobye described the synod process in Rwandan dioceses as a Kairos—a moment of grace and renewal. He expressed the Rwandan Church’s desire for communion and unity, aiming to foster a collective journey that attends to all members of the community.
Fr. Giacomo Costa, who facilitated the training, reflected on the efforts made during the listening phase. He acknowledged the extensive work by Rwandan diocesan synod teams to include everyone, even those distant from congregational life. Costa highlighted the expectations of the faithful seeking answers following their involvement.
Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, Fr. Costa stated, “…the heart of the implementation process is not limited to transmitting the content of a document… but rather… making people perceive the beauty of walking together and the transformative power of listening to one another.”
He commended the active involvement of Rwandan diocesan teams, emphasizing the collective responsibility of every baptized person in the mission of the Church. Moreover, Mario Cardinal Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, confirmed that the Synod on Synodality is an ongoing process. He highlighted that the Final Document serves as a guide for the forthcoming implementation phase.
Cardinal Grech remarked, “No document and no reform can be truly incisive if they do not enter into the heart of the journey of the Churches,” underscoring the diverse historical, cultural, and traditional contexts of local Churches. He concluded by noting that this journey of reception inevitably involves enculturation, a theme significant in the African context.
The recent training for Rwandan Catholic Bishops and delegates by the school of Synodality has underscored the importance of forming true missionaries committed to ecclesial unity and communion. Insights from key documents and shared experiences will guide the ongoing implementation of synodal practices, affirming the vital role of all baptized individuals in the Church’s mission. As this process unfolds, it reflects an understanding that adaptability to cultural contexts is essential for meaningful reform and engagement within the Church.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
