Significance of synodal lectures

What you need to know about the cycle of synodal lectures

Most likely, by now, most students at the University of Dallas have seen leaflets detailing a lecture series called the 2024 Dallas Diocese Synod Speaker Series, sponsored by the Synod Preparatory Commission. There have been three talks so far, with more planned for the rest of the semester.

The lecture cycle follows two events: the convening of a diocesan synod by Bishop Edward Burns and the convening of a worldwide synod by Pope Francis, often referred to as the “synodality synod”. According to America Magazine, the Synod was convened on October 18, 2021 and extended until October 2024. The theme of the Synod is: “For the synodal church: fellowship, participation and mission.”

The series will be devoted to topics related to both the diocesan synod and the ecumenical synod. Father John Bayer, a Cistercian friar and associate professor of theology, is the main organizer of the series. He is a member of the Synodal Preparatory Commission of the Diocesan Synod in Dallas and an alumnus of UD.

O. Bayer explained that the series hopes to use the intellectual activity of the UD to promote a better understanding of the synod. “One of the goals of the Synod series is to use the teaching staff and their experience to comment on this important moment in the life of the Church,” he said.

Sister Mary Angelica Ninan, OP, is an affiliated assistant professor of theology and speaker in a series of talks called Synods and Councils in the Church: A History of Synodality. She explained that synods were not new; these congregations have been part of the Church since biblical times. “In fact, we see the first synod in the Acts of the Apostles. It’s written right in the Scriptures and historically confirmed,” said the elder Mary Angelica.

She added that part of the confusion surrounding the world synod is due to the new concept of having more laity participate in hearings. “What’s new about Pope Francis is that he not only wants to hear from priests and experts, but also wants to hear from everyone, so he’s open to the laity,” Senor Mary Angelica said.

As for the diocesan synod, it was convened by Bishop Burns as part of efforts to revitalize the local church in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “He [Bishop Burns] wants to take advantage of what he calls a “great opportunity” to contribute to the administrative, pastoral and spiritual renewal of the diocese,” said Fr. Bayer said.

O. Bayer explained that one of the results of the Second Vatican Council was the emphasis on the Church as “communio”, which emphasizes the nature of the Church as a hierarchical communion.

“The relationship between the various aspects of the church is hierarchical, but it is also a reality built on a certain reciprocity,” said Fr. Bayer said. He went on to explain that if you look at the structure of the Church, it is more like a government in a family than an autocratic ruler and his subjects.

Resolving the confusion that may arise among Catholics, St. Maria Angelica emphasized that the synod itself does not have the power to bind Catholics in any way. “The synod is actually an advisory body,” said the elder Maria Angelica. She compared it to meetings to discuss topics that all human organizations need to function properly. “Even Dunkin Donuts has to hold meetings.”

O. Bayer expanded on this point by explaining that the synod is only as authoritative as the Pope. “If the Pope writes a post-synodal admonition, that will be the place where any authoritative decision will come,” he said.

The synod is the tool by which the pope collects information about the Church so that he can be the best shepherd of the flock. O. Bayer explained, “This synodal body is meeting to serve his ministry. He has no power over him or against him.”

The Ecumenical Synod saw certain points of controversy. For example, the Catholic News Agency reported questionable artwork created by synodal social media accounts that appeared to contradict Catholic teaching, such as depicting a female priest. Part of the controversy also stems from the fact that the ecumenical synod was convened by Pope Francis, whose pontificate caused tension among many Catholics, especially regarding the liturgy.

Although he acknowledges that sometimes some Catholics and even prelates may say and do things that seem confusing to him, Fr. Bayer does not think that Pope Francis is using the synod to undermine church teaching. “My opinion from Pope Francis is that this has nothing to do with changing core doctrine. I just don’t see it in the documents of Pope Francis,” said Fr. Bayer said.

Speaking of Francis, Fr. Bayer said reading the writings of the pontiff himself was encouraging. “I get more confident when I read Pope Francis himself.”

O. Bayer believes that one of the advantages of the lecture series is that it can provide a clearer picture of the synod. “It would be helpful to hear a trusted UD professor talk about this, instead of only going to their favorite blogger or news source, many of whom may be great but still only have one particular point of view.” , – he said.

Sir Mary Angelica believes that one of the characteristics of the UD student body is the ability to respectfully discuss controversial topics, and believes that these lectures are a great way to promote this, even among those who hold different points of view. “Sometimes we are afraid of disagreement, but the Catholic Church should not be afraid of this, because we have nothing to fear,” she said. Marie Angelica.

Regardless of how one relates to the synod, Fr. Bayer believes that lectures should be approached with an open mind. “I would advise anyone interested in the universal synod to try the synod series. Not because we can answer every question, but because, I hope, the professors will help us all to think more deeply about this topic,” said Fr. Bayer explained.

O. Bayer is confident that God is at work in the synod and that He will not let the Church down, no matter what the controversy may be. He said, “We should try to be generous to one another, to the pope and to the faithful, and above all, try to understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking through him. Forgive him wherever there is something strange, and always rely on the mercy of the ministry, that, whatever his personal infirmity, God will not leave his Church.