The National Synod Synthesis document describes the diocesan phase of the synod on synodality between November 2021 and March 2022, seeking to capture the essence of what emerged from the unprecedented participation by the People of God in England and Wales in a world-wide synod process. It is drawn from over 700 pages of reports from the dioceses and other church organisations, associations and movements that were sent to the national synthesis team.
Seeking Our Hearts’ Desire is a Reflection from the Bishops of England and Wales following the compilation of the Synodal National Synthesis Document.
Three homilies are offered on the Synod. The first is that preached by Archbishop John Wilson at the Mass on the National Synod Day (1st June) in Southwark Cathedral. The second was preached this morning by Cardinal Nichols at Westminster Cathedral following the bishops’ discussions, and celebrating the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul. The final one was preached by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the Basilica of St Peter in July, when he blessed the new pallia for the Metropolitan Archbishops. In this homily he focused on the synodal church. I hope these will give food for thought and reflection as we continue to journey together along the synodal pathway.