Synodal Process “a gift from God” to Church in Southern Africa: Catholic Official

However, the Mozambican Priest who has previously served as the Coordinator of IMBISA Pastoral Department noted that “some adults are anxious about what will come up after this synodal process.”

“Some people are worried; but the most important thing for us is that we see this opportunity as a gift from God,” Fr. Sapato who was appointed IMBISA Director in September 2022 said.

He went on to highlight some of the challenges the people of God in IMBISA have shared, which he said need to be addressed, saying, “The main challenge for our region is first of all family. We have cases of single mothers, polygamy, broken marriages amongst others.”

“The other challenge is our culture,” Fr. Sapato said, and added, “We need to move forward in terms of inculturation. Until now we realize that inculturation is above all related to liturgy, but there are other aspects of our faith which are rooted in our culture,”.

Launched by Pope Francis in October 2021 as a worldwide undertaking during which Catholics were encouraged to submit feedback to their respective Dioceses, the Synod on Synodality had been scheduled to conclude in 2023.

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On October 16, the Holy Father said the Synod on Synodality will be extended to 2024.  

The process that began with consultations at the level of Dioceses is currently at the continental stage, which is expected to last through March 2023. 

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.