Over the past year, a series of speaker panels was convened to discuss the Synodal Process in Canada and beyond. Links to the panel discussion videos are available below. These presentations have been created to continue and support the dialogue around the creation of Synodality through the cooperation of the following Oblate communities:
Galilee Retreat Centre – Arnprior, ON.
Star of the North Retreat Centre – St. Albert, AB.
Centre Oblat: A voice for Justice – Ottawa, ON.
Queen’s House Retreat & Renewal Centre – Saskatoon, SK
The Synod on synodality was launched by Pope Francis in October 2021. Pope Francis, for the first time in history, is including the entire People of God in the synod so that we can all “journey together”. The Synod on Synodality is, therefore, not a singular event but an inclusive process including discussions with local churches and diocese, moving to the national and continental levels. In October 2023, an Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was held in Rome. The next gathering will take place in October 2024.
Enlarge the Space of Your Tent (Sessions 1 – 3)
Session 1: January 31, 2023. Speakers: Most Reverend Paul-Andre Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, Sandy Prather HOMI and Provincial Animator of Oblate Associates, and Linda Staudt, co-chair of the Diocese of London’s Synod Committee. Click here for the video recording.
Session 2: March 21, 2023. Speakers: Most Reverend Archbishop Richard Joseph Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg, Father John A. Renken, Faculty of Canon Law at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, and Sr. Susan Scott, educator and Catholic Women’s League social advocate. Click here for the video recording.
Session 3: April 25, 2023. Speakers: Armella Sonntag, Diocese of Regina Synod Submission Writing Team Member, Andrew Bennett, Catholic Young Adults of Edmonton Synod Leadership Team, Bishop Alain Faubert, Axillary Bishop of Montreal and Alternate Synod Representative. Click here for the video recording. Click here for the video recording.
What is a Synod? Preview of Canadians for a Synodal Church Event. Speakers: Gerry Kelly, Manager of Spiritual Programs, Galilee Centre, and Megan Postin, Executive Director, Galilee Centre. Click here for the video recording.
Canadians for a Synodal Church: November 22, 2023. Speakers: Most Reverend Michael Miller, csb, Archbishop of Vancouver, Sr. Elizabeth Davis, rsm, Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland, Dr. Catherine Clifford, Theologian, St. Paul University, Ottawa. Click here for the video recording.