Synodality Begins Where People Walk Together in Hope, Says Cardinal Kikuchi

Synodality is not a theory or a Church program but a way of life rooted in communities that care for one another, Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo and Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), told participants at the 12th FABC Plenary Assembly on July 20.

Cardinal Kikuchi presided over the Mass marking the conclusion of the opening day of the FABC Plenary Assembly, being held in Jakarta from July 20 to 26 under the theme, "The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia."

Drawing from a recent visit to a small village in Ende on Indonesia's Flores Island, Cardinal Kikuchi said he encountered a living example of what the Church's synodal journey should look like.

"Hope is not something that we can simply buy or give to others. Hope is born when we encounter people who genuinely care for one another," Cardinal Kikuchi said in his homily.

Cardinal Kikuchi recalled visiting an organic farming project where he witnessed villagers living with joy, dignity, and mutual support despite limited resources. As President of Caritas Internationalis, he has visited humanitarian and development projects around the world, but said the simple community in Ende made a lasting impression.

"For me, this is synodality in its concrete form. It is not merely a concept but the life of a community walking together, supporting one another, and nurturing hope," he said.

Cardinal Kikuchi said the experience reminded him that the Church's mission does not begin with institutions or abundant resources but with communities willing to accompany one another and serve those in need.

The Mass was celebrated at 6:00 p.m. local time with Cardinal Kikuchi as principal celebrant. Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira of Bangkok, Thailand, and Bishop Leandro Maria Alves of Baucau, Timor-Leste, served as concelebrants.

About 200 people attended the liturgy, including cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, lay delegates, organizers, and guests from across Asia. Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, and Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia, were also present.

Reflecting on the assembly's theme, Cardinal Kikuchi encouraged participants to ensure that the days of prayer, discernment, and dialogue would lead to lasting renewal in local Churches throughout Asia.

"We cannot change the whole world all at once. We begin with grassroots communities, with people helping one another. That is where hope grows, and that is where the Church bears witness to synodality," he said.

His message reinforced the assembly's call for the Church in Asia to embrace synodal conversion by strengthening communion, participation, and mission while becoming a bridge-builder in societies marked by cultural, religious, and social diversity.