Synod's 10th anniversary

It is now almost 10 years since the Church in Malta saw the launching, on September 29, 1999, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Mgr Joseph Mercieca, of the First Phase of the Diocesan Synod.

The date marked the beginning of a wide process of consultation in the various sectors of Maltese society, which was aimed at reaching every family and household.

In a pastoral letter dated September 21, 1999, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca had extended his invitation as follows: "I invite everybody. I invite lay people, persons of a consecrated life and priests, those who are active in the life of the Church, associations and movements of the Church. I invite also those who, for some reason, feel themselves at a distance from the Church. Let us talk together, let us listen more to one another and understand each other better."

The aim was for the Synod to start from the people, from the very grass roots, to find out what the people feel about the life of the Church and the effect of her presence and activity in Maltese society. In this way the Synod would be placed on a sure basis and the Church would recognise the signs that God is pointing out to her.

It is estimated that about 100,000 persons have taken part in this well-organised consultation, the greater part resulting from the parish consultations.

Four years later, in another pastoral letter dated September 27, 2003, while appreciating the fact that his invitation was answered by many, and with great sincerity, Archbishop Mercieca informed the community of the progress that had been made:

• All that was said was analysed and studied very carefully. In the second part of the Synod, the Archbishop convoked an assembly, with its members chosen in such a way as to represent the whole Church in Malta. He presented to this assembly the hopes and the needs of the people as they had been expressed during the consultation process. From these points, eight predominant themes had emerged; these appeared to be the most important focal points for the Church in Malta for the coming years.

• During its many meetings, the Synodal Assembly studied these eight topics in depth and eight pastoral documents were approved. On June 7, 2003, when the conclusion of the Synod was celebrated, these documents were presented to the Archbishop, to study them and approve them.

• The Archbishop was present for all the assembly sessions, and followed the progress of the Synod very closely. He is on record stating that he was really impressed by the participation of so many people, including many lay persons. "The atmosphere of fraternal dialogue, sincerity, freedom, constructive criticism struck me. It was an experience of a true love for the Church, and an awareness of the needs of the human person and of modern society."

• After studying the documents, the Archbishop decided that the time had come to present them to the Church in Malta as a pastoral guide for the coming years. Thus, on September 29, during a celebration held in St John's Co-Cathedral, the Archbishop signed the decree for the approval of the Synod documents. These documents were then published.

• The documents deal with the Church as a communion, as well as the relationship of the Church with society and with culture. They discuss the role of the laity in the world and in the Church. Particular attention is devoted to the areas of marriage and the family, as well as those of adolescents and youths. The documents also examine the three fundamental ministries of the Church: the proclamation of the Word of God through every possible means, the celebration of the liturgy and the sacraments, and the acceptance of everyone in a spirit of diaconia and the promotion of justice.

• The documents become instruments for the renewal of the Church in Malta.

• To implement the Synod, the Archbishop appointed a Commission which has been given precisely this responsibility.

The Church in Malta is at the moment preparing for its annual Diocesan Assembly. This annual event is very important in the life of the archdiocese. Considering that it is now 10 years since the Church set the ball rolling regarding the Diocesan Synod, this year's assembly offers a good opportunity to once again update the Maltese community on the progress made to date in the implementation of the Synod and the challenges that remain.