Category Archives: Learning

“Learning a way of living the church”

The Pope’s closest advisors – the Council of Cardinals – met online recently to discuss the forthcoming Synod. They were joined by Pope Francis who identified two speeches that he sees as central to his thinking, and offered his personal reflections on the purpose of the Synod, at the heart of which is  “learning aContinue reading ““Learning a way of living the church””

Pope Francis briefs people of Rome

With the first phase of the Synod fast approaching, Pope Francis briefed the people in his own Diocese of Rome. Explaining that the first phase takes place in the diocese, he asked the people of the Diocese for their commitment to this process. He explained that “it is not about garnering opinions, not a survey,Continue reading “Pope Francis briefs people of Rome”

Bishops to engage all the faithful in the Synod

Cardinal Grech, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, in an interview with Vatican News, emphasises that the first, diocesan phase of the synodal process, which opens on 10 October “is a founding phase, it must engage not only Catholics but all the baptised.” Asked why a synod on synodality, he replied: “Because theContinue reading “Bishops to engage all the faithful in the Synod”

Root and Branch Synod

A perhaps controversial “lay-led inclusive synod” was recently held in Bristol and online on 5-12 September amid criticism from some Bishops. It was inspired by the notion that the Church needs a truly inclusive Synod that “starts with women, and doesn’t end there”. It offers The Bristol Text, a set of reflections and proposals asContinue reading “Root and Branch Synod”

Creation: What can I do?

“Be not afraid!” … so Jesus tells his followers, knowing too well how fearful they were. We too can feel overwhelmed and despairing in the face of news about extreme climate events, but we too must allow ourselves to be comforted and strengthened by Jesus’s words. If we open ourselves to receive the grace ofContinue reading “Creation: What can I do?”

Liverpool Synod results

The diocesan Synod in Liverpool, in which the clergy, religious and the people came together to discern carefully and agree on common goals and priorities in the Archdiocese for the coming years, has just published its results with recommendations on young people, lay ministry and love of neighbour among the highest priorities. It may beContinue reading “Liverpool Synod results”

CAFOD G7 interfaith live event at Truro Cathedral

On Thursday 10th June, the eve of the G7 conference, CAFOD hosted an interfaith event, notable for being held live in Truro Cathedral as well as being attended online by perhaps a thousand others.  It was also well-supported by our local community, who found it refreshing to be able to meet again in person! It’sContinue reading “CAFOD G7 interfaith live event at Truro Cathedral”