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Nine representatives from our diocesan Synod Team (who also form "The Word Who is Life" Pastoral Plan Reference Group) travelled to the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies at the Vatican last weekend (24-26 October), joined by delegates from around the world including cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons and members of the laity.

The programme for the three day event included a welcome from Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod. Addressing more than 2,000 delegates, the Cardinal said:

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"We love the Church, and that is why we are here; this is why we work every day for the good of the Church [and] enthusiastically cherish its mission... Nothing justifies our commitment to the Church unless our work is motivated by love."

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During a "Dialogue with Pope Leo" people across seven continents were invited to share, reflect, and pray together on the hopes and challenges of becoming a more synodal Church, with opportunities for speakers to make a report and ask the Pope one question. Opening the session, Sr Nathalie Becquart the undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops said:

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"We want to be a synodal Church as a profound 'exchange of gifts'... As Lumen Gentium underlines: 'each part contributes its own gifts to other parts and to the whole Church, so that the whole and each of the parts are strengthened by the common sharing of all things and by the common effort to attain fullness in unity.'"

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Speaking after the group's return, Clare Wordsworth, Jubilee of Synodal Teams delegate and diocesan Trustee said:

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"Pope Leo joined the conference for its opening sessions; his warmth and commitment to synodality were evident as he continues the work of Pope Francis in a truly synodal way. The closing Mass with Pope Leo on the final day was a deeply moving experience for all those present. With great enthusiasm, and as we return to our different parts of the world, our diocesan delegation seeks, guided by the Holy Spirit, to discern with Bishop Richard what this means for our local Church as we step out in mission and hope."

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‍Many thanks to Clare for sharing her experience of the Jubilee with us; you can see the programme for the weekend here.