Rwanda’s Bishops Trained as Missionaries of Synodality

Rwandan Catholic Bishops participated in a five-day training to develop ‘true missionaries of synodality’. This initiative focused on enhancing communal engagement in the Synodal Church’s mission through reflection and listening. Key figures acknowledged the ongoing Synod’s relevance and the importance of cultural adaptation within the Church’s journey.

Catholic Bishops in Rwanda participated in a five-day training initiated by the country’s “school of Synodality” to cultivate “true missionaries of synodality.” This training, held from March 2 to 6, encompassed various stakeholders from the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, including clergy and laity, totaling approximately 50 delegates who contemplated how to strengthen the Synodal Church’s mission in Rwanda.

Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of the Cyangugu Catholic Diocese remarke, “Together with my brother Bishops, we have convened this assembly to form true ‘missionaries of synodality’ in our Christian communities and for this shared journey to become a style of ecclesial life.” Participants examined themes from the 52-page Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, facilitating a process of listening and discernment through Lectio Divina.

Bishop Sinayobye expressed that the synod process has been perceived as a Kairos—a significant moment of grace. He highlighted, “The Church of Christ that is in Rwanda thirsts for communion and unity, and wants to walk together, taking care of everyone.” In addition, Fr. Giacomo Costa, a Consultor for the Synod’s General Secretariat who led the sessions, expressed the necessity of evolving from past successes during the synodal journey.

Fr. Costa acknowledged the diligent efforts of the Rwandan diocesan synod teams in involving all community members during the listening phase. His sentiment resonated with the desires of parishioners eager for responses to their expectations, emphasizing the importance of fostering a participatory and experiential approach to the Synodal process.

He maintained that the core of implementation should not merely involve sharing documents but creating a shared experience that underscores the beauty of communal participation. The press release also mentioned Mario Cardinal Grech, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, who noted that the Synod on Synodality is ongoing. He stated that the Final Document serves to guide the next phase of implementation while emphasizing the significant role of cultural adaptation within diverse Church communities.

In conclusion, the training undertaken by the Rwandan Catholic Bishops highlights the commitment to fostering a Synodal Church through enhanced communal engagement and reflection. The emphasis on listening and cultural nuances underlines the importance of adaptation in the Church’s mission. As various stakeholders come together, the hope for enriched communion and unity within the Rwandan Church remains paramount.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org