Our Congregational Leader, Mary T. Barron OLA, spoke yesterday at an event organised by the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious in Ireland (AMRI) on the theme “Becoming a Synodal Church.” The discussions held during this event will play a crucial role in shaping AMRI’s synodal submission for October.
With wisdom and dedication, Mary contributed her insights to guide the Church’s journey toward a more inclusive and cooperative future. As president of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and one of five women representing the UISG in the First Session of the Synod 2021-2024, she carries forward the mission of renewal and collaboration within the faith community. Her steadfast leadership continues to inspire, illuminating the path toward a more synodal Church.
The event, held in collaboration with All Hallows Trust and the working group on Synod 2024, along with the Irish Synodal Pathway, aimed to enrich the upcoming second session of the Synodal Assembly in October 2024.
Discussions during the event focused on three main lines of reflection: the lived experience of mission by members of the congregations, involvement at the margins to emphasise the Church’s commitment to being a prophetic presence among the least served, and exploring the creativity of members through themes such as eco-spirituality and new cosmologies. These reflections will inform the submission to the Synodal Assembly 2024 and contribute to shaping a Church that listens, discerns, and embodies synodality in its deepest sense.
Attendees explored crucial questions, such as the conditions under which the Spirit moves freely in groups and organizations, insights from marginalised perspectives on race, gender, poverty, displacement, and climate change, and the intersections of faith with new science and emerging global consciousness. These discussions aim to pave new horizons for the Church’s mission and to engage with contemporary cultural and spiritual challenges, reinforcing the Church’s journey towards true synodality.
See more about Sr Mary’s reflections on the Synod here: https://www.olaireland.ie/reflections-of-mary-t-barron-on-the-synod/