Program Overview

Presentation of the Course

The Synod on Synodality, inaugurated in October 2021, has reached its Continental Phase. The voices of the local Churches around the world that were heard in the first Diocesan Phase have been gathered in the Working Document for the Continental Stage. This will require a process of deepening, discernment, and formation to stimulate the awareness and practice of a Synodal Church.

Introduction

The Synod on Synodality represents a new and exciting phase in the life of the Church. This phase deepens the ecclesiology of the People of God developed at the Second Vatican Council and invites us to generate processes of conversion and reform of relationships, communicative dynamics, and structures in the Church. The Synod on Synodality aims to provide some elements that encourage us to commit ourselves to the construction of an institutional model for the Church of the third millennium.

Course Program

The course is divided into three weeks:

• Week 1: History of Synodality
  • Orientation: History of Synodality – Massimo Faggioli
  • Deepening:
    • María Elisa Estevez – Synodality in the first Christian Communities
    • Samuel Fernández – Synodality in the first Centuries of the Church
    • Thomas Kollamparampil CMI – St. Cyprian of Cartaghe and other episcopal practices in the first millennium
    • Arnaud Join-Lambert – Local Churches Synods before and after Vatican II through Episcopalis Communio
  • Experiences:
    • Vimal Tirimanna – Developments and challenges of Synodality in Asia
    • Stan Chu Ilo – Developments and challenges of Synodality in Africa
    • Alzirinha Rocha de Souza – Developments and challenges of Synodality in Latin America
    • Margit Eckholt – Developments and challenges of Synodality in Europe
    • Kristen Colberg – Developments and challenges of Synodality in North America
• Week 2: Theology of Synodality
  • Orientation: The mission of the Church in the light of synodality today – Sandra Mazzolini
  • Deepening:
    • Ormond Rush – The Sensus fidei in the life and mission of a synodal Church
    • Dorothea Sattler – The Contribution of Women to a Synodal Church
    • Carmen Peña – Open ways and challenges in the Code of Canon Law for a co-responsible and participative Church
    • Rafael Luciani – The Church, People of God in a place
  • Experiences:
    • Shaji George Kochuthara – Theological and pastoral contributions to synodality in Asia
    • Josée Ngalula – Theological and pastoral contributions to synodality in Africa
    • Carolina Bacher – Theological and Pastoral Contributions to Synodality in Latin America
    • Christian Bauer – Theological and pastoral contributions to synodality in Europe
    • Catherine Clifford – Theological and Pastoral Contributions to Synodality in North America
• Week 3: Ministerial Practice of Synodality
  • Orientation: A Ministerial Leadership in a Synodal Church
  • Deepening:
    • Power and authority in the ministerial exercise
    • The method of spiritual conversation in the exercise of ministries
    • Pastoral and formation structures in a Synodal Church
    • Instituted ministries in a Synodal Church
  • Experiences:
    • Asia: Ecclesial based communities
    • Africa: Titular catechists and Lay Ministries
    • Latin America: Ministerial teams
    • Europe: Laity and parishes. Pastoralreferentinnen and other cases

Speakers

The course features a diverse range of international speakers, including:

• Card. J.C Hollerich (Luxemburgo)
• Antonio José de Almeida (Brazil)
• Christian Bauer (Alemania)
• Carolina Bacher (Argentina)
• Catherine Clifford (Canadá)
• Kristen Colberg (USA)
• Margit Eckholt (Alemania)
• Alberto Embry (USA)
• María Elisa Estevez (España)
• Samuel Fernández (Chile)
• Massimo Faggioli (USA/Italia)
• Frédéric Fornos SJ (Francia)
• Carlos M. Galli (Argentina)
• Margaret E. Guider OSF (USA)
• Regina Heyder (Alemania)
• Arnaud Join-Lambert (Bélgica)
• Nora Kofognotera Nonterah (Ghana)
• Thomas Kollamparampil CMI (India)
• Shaji George Kochuthara (India)
• Rafael Luciani (Venezuela)
• Stan Chu Ilo (Nigeria)
• Sandra Mazzolini (Italy)
• Josée Ngalula (DR-Congo)
• Serena Noceti (Italia)
• Estela Padilla (Filipinas)
• Carmen Peña (España)
• Mons. Roberto Repole (Italia)
• Alzirinha Rocha de Souza (Brazil)
• Ormond Rush (Australia)
• Dorothea Sattler (Alemania)
• Gilles Routhier (Canadá)
• Vimal Tirimanna (Sri Lanka)

Organizers

The course is organized by:

• Dr. Rafael Luciani (Venezuela)
• Dr. Carlos Maria Galli (Argentina)
• Dr. Agenor Brighenti (Brazil)
• Félix Palazzi (director of "Formación Continua", Boston College School of Theology and Ministry)