Filipino bishops to discuss synod results during July plenary assembly

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will discuss the results of the Synod of Synodality during its plenary assembly in July, according to one of its officials.

In an interview with Radyo Veritas 846, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said that they have invited members of the synodal team from different dioceses and subregions of the metropolitan provinces to attend the retreat prior to their assembly.

“We will discuss the results of the synod and determine how they can be implemented in our Church… and the national synod team will come up with guidelines,” he said.

The Synod on Synodality, an initiative of the late Pope Francis, aims to build a more inclusive Church centered on communion, participation, and mission.

For the first time in history, it brought not only bishops but also lay people to Rome, where they met for month-long Conversations in the Spirit in October 2023 and 2024.

Furthermore, Bagaforo, who also chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Action Justice and Peace and Caritas Philippines, said that one of their major focuses will be the deeper involvement of the laity in Church governance.

“This includes the selection of candidates for the priesthood, especially in the administrative functions of the Church,” he said.

The prelate also revealed that they will discuss how to make women more involved within Church roles and responsibilities.

The CBCP is set to hold their 130th plenary assembly from June 30 to July 7 in the province of Bohol.

Held twice a year every January and July, Filipino bishops dedicate these meetings to approve doctrinal declarations and general decrees about pressing Church and social matters.