Shaping the Future Together: An Ongoing Exploration of Synodality
Notably, the course has attracted 72 participants from all continents, fostering a truly global and diverse space for discussion and learning. These include, for instance, students from Erasmus partner universities, Edimar Fernando Moreira from Pontifical Catholic University in Parana in Brazil, and Isabella Statnick from Boston College in the United States; pastoral ministers Margarete Sta Maria and Gregory Pravin Rajah from the Diocese of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Barbara Velik-Frank, an episcopal vicar from the Diocese of Gurk-Klagenfurt in Austria. Moreover, several synodal delegates, such as Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, Anna Mirijam Kaschner, Helena Jeppesen-Spuhler, and others.
The course has already featured insightful presentations from prominent scholars and church leaders. On March 26th, Prof. Paul M. Zulehner from the University of Vienna explored the fundamental relationship between the Church and synodality, laying crucial groundwork for understanding this evolving dynamic. Following this, on April 2nd, a distinguished panel of international voices offered a global perspective on synodality. Prof. Catalina Cerda (South America), Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David (Asia), Mrs. Gabriele Eder-Cakl (Europe), Prof. Anthony Pogorelc (North America), and Bishop Victor Thulani (Africa) shared their insights and experiences of synodality in diverse cultural and ecclesial contexts, highlighting the universality and contextualization of this vital theme. The active engagement of the participants in the subsequent discussions further enriched these sessions, bringing many perspectives to the forefront.
Most recently, on April 9th, Prof. Gabriel Hachem from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon, addressed a specific aspect of inter-ecclesial relations, focusing on the connections between the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Latin Church. This session likely provided valuable insights into the diverse expressions of Catholicism, and the participants actively contributed to the dialogue, drawing on their varied backgrounds and experiences.
This ongoing course underscores the significant attention and reflection given to synodality within the Church today. By bringing together academic expertise and pastoral experiences from around the world, facilitated by the enthusiastic participation of individuals from every continent, KU Linz fosters a crucial dialogue to shape a more synodal future for the Catholic Church. The diverse topics and esteemed speakers, coupled with the rich exchanges among the participants, suggest that all involved are gaining a rich and nuanced understanding of synodality, its theological underpinnings, its global manifestations, and its practical implications for the Church's life and mission. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with fellow participants from all continents and contribute to shaping a more responsive and just Church.
Join us next week for a session on "Listening to the cry of the poor" on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025. We are honored to welcome Prof. Maria Cimperman from the Catholic Theological Union and the UISG Synodality Coordinator (USA), who will guide us in exploring this vital dimension of synodality. How does a synodal Church listen to and respond to the needs of the marginalized? This promises to be a deeply insightful and important discussion.
Interested in joining this session or the remaining program? Contact Adela Muchova (a.muchova@ku-linz.at) for registration details!
