PHILIPPINES – On 01 April 2022, St. Joseph School La Salle (SJS-LS) united itself with educational institutions, parishes, and ecclesial communities in the Diocese of Bacolod and around the world by participating in the synodal process called by Pope Francis. Guided by the Diocese of Bacolod, the school held its synodal consultation meeting among its administrators, faculty and staff. The seventy-six participants reflected on and shared about their respective journeys in and aspirations for the Church as well as on suggestions on how the Church can live communion, achieve participation, and open Herself to mission.
The consultation meeting opened with a prayer service to invoke the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance. After the opening remarks of Ms. Analie Lomocso, Director and Principal, small group sharing on the reflection questions provided by the Diocese of Bacolod followed while conscientiously observing health protocols. The participants then collaborated on a digital word cloud of their personal dreams and hopes for the Church and their assessment of the consultation meeting. It was quite the spectacle to see the word cloud form on the big screen and highlight commonalities and unique impressions. Select groups were then requested to present to the wider audience a summary of their aspirations for the Church. After which, Br. Mico De Leon FSC summarized the takeaways from the event and its implications for the participants and St. Joseph School La Salle. The consultation meeting concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in thanksgiving. Truly, the experience of synodality was very much alive and palpable as the participants prayed together, empathically listened to one another, actively shared with each other, and celebrated together. (Text: Mr. Zennel Sy - Synodal Process Lead; Photos: SJS- LS Official Facebook Page)
