Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David cited the threefold priorities of a synodal church as Church leaders prepare for the opening of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican.
Bishop David, who is at the Vatican for the gathering along with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and CBCP vice president Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, asked for prayers for the success of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. He said that seven continents and various sectors would be represented in the synod, including religious, lay people, and women, in plenary and small-group meetings.
In a CBCP News post, Bishop David cited the threefold priorities of a synodal church-“communion, participation, and mission,” three themes identified by Pope Francis during the launch of the synodal process in October 2021.
“Communion means uniting one’s heart and mind in one spirit, while participation and mission require meaningful involvement in the Church’s work, particularly in spreading the Gospel message,” the prelate said in a video message.
Also participating in the synod is Estela Padilla, a lay Filipina theologian who is among the 70 non-bishop members appointed by the Pope to join the synod with voting rights.
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, will also participate in the synod as part of the Roman Curia.
The synod, underway since 2021, functions as an advisory body to the Holy Father. Consultations have been held at various levels – parish, diocesan, national, and continental – culminating in general assemblies in Rome in October 2023 and October 2024, the CBCP said.
The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (Oct. 4 -Oct. 29) will have 464 participants, of which 81 are women. There will be 365 voting participants, of which 54 are women, a historic first.