FABC Vice President Leads Synodality Seminar for Bangladesh Church Leaders

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan, Philippines, and vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, led a seminar on synodality for Church leaders in Bangladesh from May 2 to 3.

The seminar, titled “Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod,” was held at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) Center in Asadgate in Dhaka, bringing together bishops, clergy, religious, and lay participants from across the country.

Participants included Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Kevin Randall, Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, and several members of the Bangladesh hierarchy: Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader, Bishop Gervas Rozario, Bishop James Romen Bairagi, Bishop Sebastian Tudu, Bishop Shorot Francis Gomes, Bishop Emmanuel K. Rozario, Bishop Subrata B. Gomes, and Bishop-elect Fr. Paul Gomes. In total, about 67 participants, including priests from the country’s eight dioceses, women religious, and lay representatives, attended.

In his welcome address, Archbishop D’Cruze, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh, said the gathering aimed to deepen understanding of synodality at all levels of Church life. He expressed hope that participants would apply the insights gained in their pastoral ministry.

In his presentations, Cardinal David said synodality is rooted in the Church’s identity rather than in structures or governance. “Synodality is not, at its root, a governance model or an organizational reform. It is an experience of the Church as the Lord intended it, a people who walk together, attentive to the Spirit,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of listening as a foundational practice. “Before any teaching or initiative, the Church must first encounter the Lord present among His people through attentive listening,” he said, referring to the synodal process of “conversation in the Spirit.”

Cardinal David also underlined that synodality serves the Church’s mission. “It is not an end in itself. It is at the service of the mission,” he said, noting that it enables participation and discernment among all the faithful.

Referring to the local context, he said the Church in Bangladesh, though small, plays a significant role through witness and service within a religiously diverse society.

Participants engaged in group discussions and reflections following the synodal method. Several attendees said the process encouraged mutual listening and collaboration.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Rozario said the Church in Bangladesh has begun implementing synodal practices but needs to continue at diocesan and parish levels. He thanked Cardinal David for guiding the seminar.

The program concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to strengthen collaboration, participation, and mission in the Church.