SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Archdiocese of Juba Kicks off Synodal on Synodality Process
Ginaba Lino
Catholic Archdiocese of Juba on Tuesday 15, 2022 started the diocesan Synodal process which was launched last year in Rome by Holy father Pope Francis.
Speaking during the launch of the synodal process, the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Juba Santo Loku Pio, on behalf of the Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin, stated that every congregation should participate in the synod because it is very important.
Bishop Loku described the process as special moment because the Holy Father wishes to hear what the Holy Spirit is speaking to the Church at this particular time.
He explained that the Synod will help in offering a piece of constructive advice not only in the Archdiocese of Juba but to the Holy Father and the universal church.
In a statement, the Auxiliary Bishop called on the faithful to listen carefully to one another as well as parishes at the grassroots, citing that the Synod has important scopes.
“This synodal Church has these important three dimensions i.e. the themes of communion, participation and mission. As we listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to Church, it is good for us to know that the Holy father is not setting a parliament for discussion. The Holy Father is setting a process of listening in order to promote communion participation, and mission. The harmony of these three dimensions is very important during this process. Let us be guided by the Holy Spirit in this process as the Archdiocese of Juba.”
It is the process that has to go through different stages for dioceses to present their advice through the Bishop’s conference which will then be sent to AMECEA, SECAM and then to the Holy Father as our contribution,” Auxiliary Bishop Loku narrated.
He added that togetherness is one of the aspects stipulated in the document.
“The Synodal process was supposed to start last year after the Pope inaugurated, but every diocese sees an opportune time to launch the process due to different circumstances,” he said.
In Oct 10, 2021, Pope Francis launches 2-year synodal path with call to ‘encounter, listen, and discern’
Pope Francis formally launched the two-year global consultation process leading to the 2023 synod on synodality on Sunday with a call to “look others in the eye and listen to what they have to say.”
Preaching at a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 10, Pope said Catholics taking part in the synodal path should strive to “become experts in the art of encounter.”
