We have no clear pointer so far where the synodal process, which began two years back in view of the Synod on Synodality and for a Synodal Church, will lead us to. We have still to wait for the final outcome. But the entire process in my opinion is a significant and revolutionary step for the renewal and mission of the Church. It has made the Church hierarchy (the ordained) as well as the faithful (consecrated and non-ordained) aware of their rights and responsibilities and has bolstered them to own up their responsibilities and revitalize the life and mission of the Church. I pray and hope that the Church grows more in communion, participation and mission.

We, the staff and students of the Faculty, have had ample opportunities to reflect upon the idea of Synodality and a Synodal Church. The College theme, “Synodal Way for the Vibrant Community,” for the Academic Year 2023-2024 set effectively the tone. Our working on the theme in various capacities, such as, recollection talks, pilgrimage, annual workshop, writing articles for our college journal Sevartham and student magazine Darpan has broadened our understanding of the subject. All these have, in more than one way, made our thinking, saying and acting more synodal, which in turn have influenced our dealing with one another, our behavior towards each other, and our community life. We have become more aware that we, who are many/diverse/holding different positions/charisms, have to walk together in communion, participation and mission; that we participate in one another’s concerns through helping hands, prayers, listening, dialogue and discernment, and witness to the gospel through our words and deeds; that we follow the ways of Jesus and act according to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Our Synodal journey is forever on the move; there is no question of turning back. There is no full stop to it; it is not over with the end of the Academic Year 2023-24; neither with the closing of the Synodal Year in October 2024. The journey has to move forward. We have to move ahead together, pondering over communion, participation and mission in/amidst/of the Triune God, the ultimate source of communion, participation and mission, who is also the Way, the Truth, and the Light. It is my wish that we grow more in communion, participation and mission, and be God’s true people according to the will of God and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Successively, it is my earnest desire that this synodal journey will transform our Albertine family into a truly vibrant community.

Fr. Suman Kumar Ekka
President
Faculty of Theology, Ranchi