Cardinal Filip Neri Introduces the Synod 21-23 Document at Major Superiors Meet, Goa

Pilar, Goa, January 17, 2025: Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman introduced the final document of the Synod 21-23, titled “For A Synodal Church—Communion, Participation & Mission.” He said, "The fundamental challenge of Synodality is the need to change relationships toward mutual respect, acceptance, and recognition of the dignity of every baptized disciple."

The Archbishop was presenting the final document to the Majors Superiors meeting organized by CRI (Goa) at Pilar, and along with his team, led the discussion. The team included Sr. Flory Rodrigues, President of CRI-Goa (Part I: The Heart of Synodality), Sr. Ayres Raimondo CC (Part II: In the Boat Together), and Fr. Eugene D’Silva CSSR (Part III: Casting the Net). The other two parts were briefly explained by the Cardinal while giving the session. 

Archbishop Filipe Neri, who is the President of FABC, introduced the Final Document of the Synod by emphasizing that every new step in the life of the Church serves to renew its mission and purpose. 

"In the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, the Synodal process included participation from five key groups: the clergy, religious men and women, laity, youth, and the formees," said the prelate who heads CCBI. Each diocese drafted its own diocesan synthesis, and 130 out of the 132 dioceses in the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) submitted their syntheses. These were followed by national-level consultations, which culminated in a national synthesis sent to Rome.

At the conclusion of the session, Archbishop Filipe Neri shared his reflections on the Synod experience. 

Cardinal Ferrão, who participated in both the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops in October 2023 and October 2024 in Rome, is a member of the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod. He also contributed to drafting the final document for the Synod on Synodality, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and treating each other as equals, highlighting the need for conversion, which Pope Francis referred to as "Synodal Conversion." After the document was accepted, Pope Francis described it as a threefold gift: first, for himself; second, for the entire Church; and third, as a gift of the Holy Spirit. 

The Archbishop also touched on the issue of women in the Church. Despite their significant service, women face obstacles in fully exercising their legitimate roles in the life and mission of the Church. He called for further promotion of women in leadership roles at continental and national levels, as Canon Law permits many roles for women in the Church.

Finally, he quoted the final document, which describes Mary as the perfect example of listening, praying, meditating, dialoguing, accompanying, discerning, deciding, and acting. Mary embodies all the qualities of synodality, and her example should inspire the Church as it continues on this path. 

Fr. Clive Tellis SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Goa Province, and Sr. Daisy Kunnathhuparambil JMJ led the session, while Sr. Daisy concluded the event with heartfelt words of gratitude.

By Br. Malvino OCD