Missionary Institutes and Synodality

Fabio Ciardi, OMI, presented on “Charism, Prophecy, and Witness,” arguing that charisms are essential to the Church’s synodal path. He stressed that charisms cannot exist in isolation; they must be shared and deeply interconnected with the entire People of God. Ciardi emphasized that this synodal approach applies at every level, from within individual institutes to collaboration among different charisms and ecclesial vocations.

In his presentation, Márcio Flávio Martins explored the role of “Prophecy in a Missionary Synodal Church.” He described prophets as courageous figures who challenge injustice and proclaim hope, underscoring that all baptized individuals are called to this mission. Martins highlighted the importance of a counter-cultural and dialogical approach, pointing to modern prophets and the use of digital platforms to share God's truth.

Following each presentation, speakers posed challenging questions to the participants, and this bulletin features the inspiring responses that emerged from their reflections and spiritual conversations.

The group reports included in this issue highlight that synodality is a continuous process of conversion and a shared journey. Key takeaways from the seminar included:

• Viewing charism as a communal gift.

• The call to be prophetic witnesses.

• The importance of collaboration with other institutes and lay people.

The “Conversation in the Spirit” method received particular praise for its ability to foster deep listening and inclusivity. Participants were challenged to shift from an "I" to a "we" mentality and to go to the "peripheries" to advocate for the voiceless. The seminar underscored the need for an inclusive mission, networking, and a renewed focus on prayer and discernment. Feedback also offered suggestions for improvement, such as balancing listening time and increasing speaker diversity.

Bro. René Stockman, F.C., offered final observations, emphasizing that a synodal journey is about humbly walking together, guided by the Holy Spirit. He urged participants to abandon clericalism and self-sufficiency for a relational identity rooted in mutual responsibility. Bro. Stockman views interculturality as a key challenge that finds its common ground in the Gospel, while seeing charism as a dynamic, shared gift. For him, prophecy is a way of life that combats injustice and radiates God's love through compassionate acts. He stressed that a true witness requires vulnerability, collaboration, and a willingness to fully embrace the gifts of others, including the laity.

A concluding statement from the seminar highlighted that the seventy missionaries, representing thirty institutes and thirty-two nationalities, committed to building a more just and peaceful world amidst global conflict. They passionately reaffirmed their mission to be prophetic witnesses of God's love, urging leaders to choose peace over destruction and praying for the Church to become a bridge of healing for all humanity.

The SEDOS Residential Seminar illuminated the profound and urgent call for Missionary Institutes to embrace synodality as a pathway to renewed charism, vibrant prophecy, and authentic mission. The rich discussions, rooted in the “Conversation in the Spirit,” underscored that true communion is forged through shared discernment, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to journeying together. The unique gifts of Missionary Institutes are indispensable to the Church's synodal path. By fostering internal synodality, engaging prophetically with the world’s peripheries, and living their charisms in deep interconnectedness with the entire People of God, these institutes can become powerful agents of transformation, embodying the liberating truth of the Gospel in a world yearning for hope and justice. The insights gathered in this bulletin serve as a testament to the Spirit's active presence, inviting us all to deeper engagement and co-responsibility in the Church's ongoing mission.

Dr. John Paul Herman, SVD

Director of SEDOS