32ndSunday Year C Dedication the Basilica

Earlier in September while speaking in the Lateran Basilica, his parish church, Pope Leo XIV presented the vision of a Church in which its members walked forward together in Faith and Hope.

We know that the Holy Spirit is at work among us and that we are called to make our journey of faith synodally. This will allow the Holy Spirit to breath new life and hope into a Church that calls us to a renewal that strengthens our communities, makes us more alive in faith, brings us ever closer to God, and make us more radiant in service and witness to the world.

Pope Leo XIV reminded us that “the fruit of the synodal path… is the impulse to value ministries and charisms, drawing from our baptismal vocation.” In other words, each of us – every baptised person – has something valuable to offer. The Spirit gives us gifts, talents, and callings, and the Church needs all of them! Our first task is to put Christ at the centre, and to welcome one another as brothers and sisters – especially those who are struggling, the poor, the lonely, and all those searching for meaning.

We are called, Pope Leo says, to be “a sign of God’s love for humanity… so that the living water of the Spirit may reach everyone.” This is a wonderful image. Just imagine our parish as a wellspring of God’s love, overflowing with kindness, hospitality, and hope.

Pope Francis encouraged us by saying that every local Church can begin “to learn and develop ever better the style proper to a missionary synodal Church.” This means that we don’t need to wait for someone else to start – the time is now, and the place is here! We can continue to devolve a community that listens deeply, walks together, and acts together in living the Gospel.

How might we do this in practice you ask?

·     By listening and being inclusive and Making space for every voice – young and old, joyful and hurting.

·     By strengthening participatory groups. Parish councils, ministry teams, prayer groups – all can help us discern together where God is leading.

·     By celebrating our gifts. Recognise and encourage the gifts God has given each person – leadership, service, prayer, creativity, compassion.

·     And by acting with hope; let our faith be visible in small, concrete acts of love, especially towards those in need.

For us, a synodal Church is not a dream – it is who we already are as we walk side by side, led by the Holy Spirit. Let’s make our parish a “workshop of synodality,” a place where faith is felt to be alive, where love overflows, and where the light of Christ shines brightly for everyone to see.

And, together, let us move forward – joyfully, courageously, and synodally! Alleluia!

By Fr. Thomas O'Brien a.a.