Rwanda’s Bishops Trained as Missionaries of Synodality at Recent Assembly

Rwanda’s Catholic Bishops engaged in a five-day training at the ‘school of Synodality’ to create ‘true missionaries of synodality.’ The training focused on key themes from the synod process and emphasized the importance of communal listening and discernment. Key figures, including Bishop Edouard Sinayobye and Fr. Giacomo Costa, highlighted the significance of shared experiences and ongoing implementation of the Synod’s teachings, guided by the context of local Churches.

The Catholic Bishops of Rwanda participated in a training program organized by the country’s “school of Synodality,” aimed at creating “true missionaries of synodality.” This five-day training, which took place from March 2 to March 6, 2025, included approximately 50 delegates, such as bishops, clergy, religious men and women, and laity, who engaged in discussions regarding the Synodal Church’s mission in Rwanda.

Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of the Cyangugu Catholic Diocese highlighted the purpose of the assembly, stating the goal is to foster true missionaries of synodality within their Christian communities. Leveraging the 52-page Final Document from the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops held in October 2024, participants aimed to delve into key themes from the synod process and experience a Synodal style of listening and discernment, including significant time for Lectio Divina.

Bishop Sinayobye expressed the positive reception of the synod process, describing it as a moment of grace and renewal for the Church in Rwanda. He emphasized the community’s desire for communion and unity as they collectively care for one another.

Fr. Giacomo Costa, a Consultor for the General Secretariat of the Synod, facilitated the sessions and emphasized the importance of basing the Synod’s implementation phase on previously established frameworks. He noted the substantial efforts made by Rwandan diocesan synod teams in engaging all community members during the listening phase.

Fr. Costa emphasized that effective implementation is not merely about conveying information or solutions but about cultivating shared experiences that highlight the transformative power of collective listening and collaboration. He acknowledged the Rwandan Diocesan teams’ active involvement as a demonstration of the collective responsibility inherent in the mission of the Church.

Additionally, the press release mentioned Mario Cardinal Grech, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, who reiterated that the Synod on Synodality is an ongoing process. He remarked that the Final Document serves as a guide for local Churches during the next phase of implementation, highlighting the significance of contextual adaptation for varying historical, cultural, and traditional challenges faced by different Churches, particularly in Africa.

In conclusion, the training of Rwanda’s Catholic Bishops at the school of Synodality reflects a commitment to fostering true missionaries of synodality within Christian communities. The initiative emphasizes the importance of listening, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of each baptized individual in the Church’s mission. As underscored by Fr. Giacomo Costa and Cardinal Mario Grech, the ongoing synodal process aims to cultivate genuine connections among community members while adapting to the unique contexts of local Churches.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org