From 4 to 6 April, the Holy Spirit Seminary College of Theology and Philosophy in Hong Kong hosted a distinctive workshop on Synodality, bringing together fifty participants from diverse ecclesiastical backgrounds to explore new dimensions of ecclesial communion. Guided by three ecclesiologists—Fr. Bruno Lepeu, Fr. Simon Wong, and Ms. Vanessa Cheng—and supported by Prof. Lisa Hui, the workshop fostered deep theological reflection, spiritual growth, and practical engagement.
The workshop adopted an innovative “Spirituality-Theory-experiential” framework, providing participants with a comprehensive exploration of Synodality. Each day began with spiritual reflection, as personal meditations and group sharing fostered a deeper union with God. On the theoretical level, the sessions examined the theological foundations and ecclesiological significance of Synodality, grounding the discussions in Church teaching. The experiential dimension was realized through “Conversation in the Spirit,” a dynamic exercise in communal discernment that allowed attendees to experience the synodal process first-hand. This threefold approach—integrating prayer, study, and active participation—ensured a systematic and immersive understanding of Synodality.
The participant composition vividly reflected the Church’s pluralistic and communal nature, creating a microcosm of ecclesial life. While alumni and current students of the Holy Spirit Seminary College made up about two-thirds of the attendees, the gathering was significantly enriched by seminarians at various stages of formation, religious brothers and sisters, lay representatives, and diocesan staff from diverse sectors. This diversity was not merely symbolic; it actively enhanced the dialogue, as ten trained coordinators facilitated discussions, ensuring every voice was heard and fostering meaningful engagement.
The program was thoughtfully designed. Each day began with spiritual input, followed by thematic explorations and guest speaker sessions. Six speakers—Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha, Fr. Joseph Liu, Sister Chung, Ms. Grace Man, Ms. Patty Fung, and Mr. Ivan Cheng—shared testimonies that blended spiritual life, theological insights, and pastoral experiences related to synodality. Dedicated periods for silent reflection provided space for personal contemplation, reinforcing the inner disposition necessary for authentic synodality.
A defining feature of the workshop was the progressive structure of the questions addressed in the “Conversation in the Spirit.” On the first day, participants shared personal experiences, fostering trust and openness. The second day focused on deepening theological and pastoral understanding of synodality, along with participants’ expectations for a synodal Church. The final day shifted towards collaborative action planning, translating insights into concrete commitments. This intentional progression—from personal reflection to communal discernment to mission-oriented outcomes—ensured a seamless integration of the workshop’s spiritual, intellectual, and practical dimensions. Remarkably, the diversity of the group, rather than presenting a challenge, became the very element that illuminated the transformative potential of this discernment method.
The theological discussions were a cornerstone of the workshop, with the three speakers offering multifaceted explorations of synodality. They began by unpacking the profound connection between St. Ignatius’ practice of discernment and the synodal spirit, demonstrating how both emphasize attentive listening to God’s will in communal settings. This foundation was enriched by the outcomes of consultations on synodality from diverse continents, highlighting inspiring practices and persistent challenges in implementing synodality globally. The speakers traced the historical development of synodal thought, illuminating its theological underpinnings and crystallization in the Final Document of the Synod of Bishops. They confronted the practical dilemmas facing the Church today—balancing unity with diversity and fostering participation while safeguarding doctrine—sparking vigorous dialogue among participants.
The richness of these exchanges ignited lively debates, particularly around key questions: How does “synodality” differ fundamentally from “Conversation in the Spirit”? What is the proper role, authority, and exercise of the Hierarchy within a synodal Church? These discussions revealed both the transformative potential and the complexities of embracing synodality as a way of being Church.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a shared conviction that synodality is not merely a program but a divine call to the modern Church—a call that demands both personal conversion and collective action. Many attendees expressed that the three-day workshop clarified how synodality directly connects to revitalizing communities and healing fractured relationships. While aware that such renewal requires patience and perseverance, participants left with renewed joy and hope, committed to pioneering new forms of collaboration in their ministries. Their resolve echoed a common sentiment: the time for synodality is now, and the journey ahead, though gradual, is already underway.
We recognize that fostering lasting synodality in the Church must begin with helping all members—clergy, religious, and laity alike—develop a deep understanding of this essential ecclesial spirit. This pioneering workshop represents a significant step forward in formation ministry, serving as both a valuable learning experience for our team and an opportunity to refine our model of synodal formation. Through such initiatives, we aim to create tailored programs that meet the diverse needs of diocesan communities.
While this marks just the beginning of our journey, we are committed to building a growing network of collaborators who share this vision. Our goal is to develop a strong formation team capable of serving as a driving force for synodality throughout the entire diocese—helping the Church journey together in communion, participation, and mission.