Asian theologians to bring voice of minority, diversity to Synod

Asian theologians expressed their desire to represent underrepresented groups and convey a sense of diversity to the historic Synod of Bishops this October, which Pope Francis opened to non-bishops for the first time.

Estela Padilla, one of the ten non-bishop members from Asia, said that her role as consultant to the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) enlightened her on how the poor continue to “carry the voice of the faith” despite their daily life struggles.

She also said that her interactions with the poor influence their communal theologizing at the Office for Theological Concerns in the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC), where she serves as Executive Secretary.

“These experiences have prepared me to participate in the dialogue, communal discernment, and decision-making that will happen at the Synod,” Padilla said to RVA News.

Padilla is also a pillar of Bukal ng Tipan, a pastoral institute responsible for the formation of BEC leaders across the Philippines.

“The past two years, we have integrated and designed more Synodal approaches in designing our formation programs, retreats, and pastoral planning, which includes inter-ministeriality and partnering with civil society,” she explained.

After participating in the Synodal processes at the local, national, and international levels, Padilla said that she now looks forward to a more “mission-oriented Church” through this Synod, particularly now that laypeople and women are set to join.

“I hope the Synod will be a space for awareness-raising, graced listening, and speaking with parrhesia,” Padilla said. “The participation of the non-bishops will be an exercise in authentic communal discernment and decision-making, guided by the question ‘Where is the Spirit leading us?’”

“Although there will be many tensions and disappointments in the October Synod, I sincerely hope that we will not frustrate the Spirit of God that wants to renew,” she further said.

Another non-bishop participant in the Synod is Father Joel Casimir Da Costa Pinto, OFM, a priest from East Timor. 

He considers his appointment an “act of extraordinary grace” and “the most stunning experience” he has ever had.

"I think the Holy Father's appointment of me to the Sixteenth Synod of Bishops is an act of extraordinary grace. I am grateful to Pope Francis. I did not believe this was possible. The most stunning experience I have ever had," said the priest.

“I anticipate this Synod of Synodality to bring about significant changes in church life in this millennium,” he said. “Indeed, it will not be simple, but we believe that anything is possible with the Holy Spirit’s assistance.”-

With the theme "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission," the gathering will run from October 2023 to October 2024.

Approximately 35 Asian bishops have been appointed by Pope Francis to attend the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October, according to a Vatican statement.

Pope Francis, who will preside over the Synod of Synodality, directly selected approximately one-third of the more than 360 voting delegates.

In October 2024, the event would mark the first time that laypersons would become full members and deliberate on the final document. - Luke Godoy