Synodality is a call for ‘a change of worldview and lifestyle,’ says Manila archbishop

The archbishop of the Philippine capital reminded the faithful that Synodality is an instrument of the new evangelization in the Church, and thus calls for a complete transformation within a person’s identity and spirituality.

"The heart of Synodality is Jesus, who calls us to a change of heart, [worldview, and lifestyle]," said Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula in his message during the Pope’s Day Mass on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

"It can be slow and gradual. It can be swift and life-changing. Again, each one of us is invited to take on the way of Synodality with Pope Francis," he said.

Turning to the clergy and consecrated people, the cardinal said: "(Synodality] means going to the peripheries… It is taking seriously the call of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines to become and to be a Church of the poor and for the poor."

Cardinal Advincula also emphasized the characteristic of Synodality being a pilgrimage, with every Catholic taking on the role of a pilgrim with a heart to serve and spread the Gospel.

"Vocation is always dynamic and forward-looking. While not disowning the past, it leaves the present with hope for the future. Hope is the virtue of pilgrims," said the cardinal.

The cardinal also explains that the particular experience of Synodality in the Archdiocese of Manila is called ‘traslacion,’ inspired by the name of the annual feast of the Black Nazarene. This miraculous image shows Christ carrying His cross, venerated in the Quiapo district of Manila.

"The suffering of Christ is part of our being Filipino, our identity, and our mission. We pray that our lives be patterned after the likeness of Jesus of Nazareth as we traverse our Synodal journey of Traslacion with our eyes fixed on Him who died and rose again for our sakes," he said.

Delivering his message in the presence of Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Cardinal Advincula sends his regards to the Supreme Pontiff.

"May his leadership and shepherding of the Church be continuously inspired by the Holy Spirit and protected under the mantle of the Immaculate Mother of God," he said. -Luke Godoy