In preparation for the 2028 ecclesial assembly of the Synod on Synodality, the Vatican has asked dioceses to submit an assessment of how they have implemented synodality at the local level.On July 27, the General Secretariat of the Synod published the document “Remembering,” which offers diocesan synodal teams a resource for writing reflections on the progress made since the diocesan phase began in October 2021.
In the statement accompanying the publication, Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, explained that the guidelines are intended to help local Churches “remember” with gratitude their synodal journey.“Evaluation is not a technical exercise, but an experience of gratitude and truth,” Grech stated. “Remembering means recognizing what the Lord has done in the journey of our communities and allowing ourselves to be guided toward the next steps.”
The document calls for dialogue on the challenges facing synodality at the local level, including resistance.“It is also worthwhile to consider what might easily go unnoticed. In particular, the difficulties encountered, the resistance to change, the obstacles that have hindered the process, the unsuccessful attempts, and the questions that remain unanswered,” the document states.
The recapitulation phase is part of the preparation for 2028 and will culminate in a broader reflection during the first half of 2027. Around that time, each diocese will have to prepare two documents: a narrative report and a letter addressed to the other Churches.