Originally published at National Catholic Register
The high-ranking prelate from Myanmar told journalists on Thursday that synodality on a diocesan level is not a new concept for the Catholic Church.
The head of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC), Cardinal Charles Bo of the Archdiocese of Yangon, Myanmar, said diocesan synods are an effective means to “build a vision and mission” for local Churches.
The high-ranking prelate from Myanmar told journalists on Thursday that synodality on a diocesan level is not a new concept for the Catholic Church.
“When I was made a bishop in 1990, one thing that attracted me in canon law is that about the diocesan synod,” Cardinal Bo stated at a Vatican press briefing.
“All these years as a bishop — I have been in seven dioceses — I have conducted diocesan synods four times: in ’92, ’96, 2004 and 2014.”
Speaking from more than two decades of experience with diocesan synods, the 75-year-old cardinal said collecting feedback “from the farmers, from the villages, from parishes, and from workers, religious and prisoners” has proven to be a worthwhile process.
According to Cardinal Bo, the reports generated from synodal consultations with Catholic faithful in dioceses have provided solid foundations for the
