Philippine Dioceses Strengthen Synodal Leadership Through National Formation Program

Church leaders from 33 dioceses across the Philippines are undergoing formation to translate synodality from a Church concept into concrete pastoral action in parishes, communities and ministries.

According to CBCP News, the five-day program, “Sulong-Padayon: Igniting Filipino Synodal Leadership,” is being held at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila through August 21. Organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Committee on Synodal Transformation, it brings together clergy and lay leaders responsible for implementing synodality in their dioceses.

The program focuses on listening, discernment, accompaniment, accountability, collaboration and inclusive participation, while seeking to develop an expression of synodality rooted in Filipino culture and community experience.

The committee emphasizes that synodality is not simply a program or method but “a way of being Church together.” Participants are encouraged to move from listening to discernment and from discernment to collaborative pastoral action.

The Filipino phrase Sulong-Padayon, meaning to move forward and continue together, reflects the program’s emphasis on journeying together as a Church.

Biblical reflection and bibliodrama form a major part of the formation, including reflection on Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman. The Gospel passage is used to explore listening, crossing boundaries, discernment and conversion in Church leadership.

The formation also challenges participants to listen to voices that are often overlooked and to recognize the diverse gifts present within Church communities. Exercises on trust, communication and shared responsibility emphasize that leadership must create space for others to participate.

“Synodal leadership is not exercised alone, but creates space for others to participate and contribute,” the committee said, according to CBCP News.

Particular attention is given to Basic Ecclesial Communities, grassroots groups and marginalized sectors. Through Scripture, personal sharing and group reflection, participants examine ways of accompanying people at the peripheries of Church life.

The program also promotes closer cooperation among CBCP commissions, with participants sharing pastoral experiences, challenges and opportunities for joint initiatives. A dialogue with CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera on August 20 provided an opportunity for diocesan leaders to share priorities and experiences in implementing synodality.

The formation also encourages collaboration with local governments, civil society and other sectors in addressing social concerns and promoting the common good.

For the Philippine Church, the initiative comes as dioceses continue implementing the vision of the global Synod on Synodality and adapting it to local pastoral realities.

The CBCP Committee on Synodal Transformation said the goal is to turn synodal listening into concrete action and foster communities where “everyone has a place, a voice and a contribution.”

The program presents synodality not merely as a structure or process, but as a way of accompanying one another, discerning together and serving the Church’s mission in the Philippines.