Rwanda’s Catholic Bishops underwent training at the ‘School of Synodality’ aimed at fostering ‘true missionaries of synodality.’ This initiative involved approximately 50 participants reflecting on enhancing the Church’s mission in Rwanda and was guided by the Final Document from the recent Synod of Bishops.
On March 2-6, 2025, Rwanda’s Catholic Bishops participated in a comprehensive five-day training session facilitated by the country’s “School of Synodality.” The training aimed to empower approximately 50 delegates, including members of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda (CEPR), clergy, and laity, to become “true missionaries of synodality.” This initiative focused on transforming ecclesial life and enhancing the Church’s mission in Rwanda with a synodal approach.
Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of the Cyangugu Catholic Diocese emphasized the importance of this assembly in forming true missionaries within Christian communities. The gathering aimed to explore how the Church can embody a more synodal mission in alignment with proposed orientations from the Synodal path. Participants reflected on directives stemming from the 52-page Final Document produced at the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which took place from October 2-27, 2024.
During the training, participants delved into key themes from the synod process while engaging in Lectio Divina. Bishop Sinayobye expressed that their diocesan synodal activities have been perceived as a grace-filled moment, a Kairos, fostering a longing for communion and unity within the Rwandan Church community.
Fr. Giacomo Costa, a Consultor for the General Secretariat of the Synod who facilitated the sessions, highlighted the groundwork completed during the listening phase by Rwandan diocesan teams. He acknowledged their efforts in engaging all community members, including those traditionally distanced from church activities, thus addressing the needs and expectations of the faithful.
Fr. Costa stressed that the heart of implementing the Synod is not merely about disseminating documents or solutions, but about creating experiences that exemplify the beauty of communion through shared listening. He lauded the commitment of Rwandan diocesan teams as they participated in the Synodal process, affirming the collective responsibility of every baptized individual in spreading the Church’s mission.
The press release additionally featured remarks from Mario Cardinal Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, who clarified that the Synod on Synodality is still ongoing. He conveyed that the Final Document serves as a guiding principle for local churches during the implementation phase, emphasizing the need for adaptation to diverse cultural and historical contexts in Africa.
Cardinal Grech insisted that genuine reform is rooted not in documents alone but in engaging deeply with the unique journeys of the various churches, which vary significantly in their heritages, cultures, and challenges.
In summary, the training session conducted by Rwanda’s “School of Synodality” represents a significant step toward cultivating a fully engaged Church community. Through active participation, the Catholic Bishops and delegates reflected on synodal themes and the practicalities of implementation, guided by the Final Document from the Synod of Bishops. The ongoing collaboration underscores the importance of communion, unity, and shared responsibility in the ecclesiastical mission of Rwanda.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
