By Father Peter Choy Wai-man
Last Saturday, the diocese held a launch event for synodality, symbolising the beginning of a journey dedicated to communion, participation, and evangelisation. Over 300 participants—representing parishes, Church organisations, Catholic groups, diocesan commissions, schools, and religious institutes—reflected the Church’s diversity and unity in responding to God’s call to journey together.
The ceremony was more than an official event; it reaffirmed the diocese’s commitment to a synodal Church. Participants reflected on the meaning of synodality, listened to diverse experiences, and recognised that synodality is not a project or procedure, but a way of being Church—inviting all to walk together in faith, hope, and love.
When synodality was introduced in 2021, many saw it as a consultation preparing for the 2023 Synod of Bishops. Dioceses, parishes, religious orders, and Catholic organisations worldwide joined consultations and listening sessions, encouraging candid speech and attentive listening to discern the Lord’s call in the Holy Spirit.
Because of this, some people understood synodality primarily as a consultation process leading up to the Synod of Bishops. They viewed it as a series of meetings, questionnaires, discussions, and reports that would end once the synod made its decisions. While this understanding is not entirely wrong, it is incomplete. Consultation, listening, dialogue, discernment, and decision-making are indeed essential elements of synodality. However, synodality does not begin or end with a single event; rather, it is an ongoing journey of the People of God walking together.
The event deepened understanding that synodality is central to the Church’s nature. The Church is not an institution of isolated groups, but a communion called to journey as one, listening, discerning, and sharing in mission. Synodality calls for a shift from working in silos to collaboration, from speaking alone to listening, and from passive to active co-responsibility.
During the gathering, various groups shared their experiences of walking together in a synodal way. These brought the meaning of synodality to life and showed how it is gradually taking root in different areas of Church life. These were not abstract theories, but real stories of how people are learning to listen, accompany, collaborate, and discern together.
A presentation on journeying with other Asian Churches broadened the vision of synodality. The Church does not journey in isolation, but belongs to a communion transcending cultures and borders. In Asia’s diverse context, walking together calls for humility, dialogue, and mutual support. Learning from others’ experiences fosters missionary awareness, creativity, and solidarity.
Through these sharings, it became clearer that synodality is not an abstract slogan, but a concrete way of living out the gospel. At the same time, Cardinal Stephen acknowledged that such a transformation will not happen overnight.
This paradigm shift takes time and perseverance. Old habits—such as working in isolation, making decisions without sufficient consultation, or limiting participation to a select few—will not disappear quickly. Nevertheless, the launch marks an important beginning and a sign of hope for moving forward together.
The ceremony marks the start of a long-term renewal. The diocese now looks to the assembly next February for clear direction and practical roadmaps.
These roadmaps will help guide the practice of synodality across various levels of Church life and provide concrete steps to strengthen participation, collaboration, and mission in the years ahead.
