Kathmandu (May 15, 2024)
A two-day seminar on Synod on Synodality in the context of Nepal was held at the
Assumption Church, Kathmandu, May 13-14. About 50 participants consisting of
pastors, religious and lay leaders from the Vicariate attended the event.
The program was organised by the Vicariate of Nepal under the leadership of Bishop
Paul Simick and animated by Fr George Plathottam sdb, Executive Secretary, FABC
Office of Social Communication. Bishop Paul Simick, the Apostolic Vicar of Nepal,
welcomed the participants.
The Catholic Church in the Himalayan nation of Nepal is a minority community with
over 8500 Catholics in a population of 33 million. Majority of its people are Hindus
and Buddhists. The missionary personnel in the Vicariate consists of a small number
of local priests and religious, and several missionaries from India and other
countries. They include members of some twenty religious congregations and
apostolic institutes.
The seminar included an overview of the synodal journey so far, the main principles
of synodality as a new way of living communion, fostering participation and
witnessing to the mission of Christ in the context of the country. Through input
sessions and group sharing, the participants deepened their awareness of the
richness of synodality which emphasises listening, servant leadership, inclusiveness
and openness to the socio-cultural realities of the people, focus on family, youth and
the dignity of the baptised.
The seminar also spent time to study the FABC’s Bangkok document and the Asian
continental document of the synod, which have analysed the emerging issues and
pastoral responses for the Church in Asia.
The participants under the leadership of the Bishop discussed and identified some of
the major challenges for the Church in Nepal and its missionary personnel and
resolved to form study teams and strengthen various commissions. Particular
emphasis was placed on the pastoral care of the families, faith formation of children
and youth, fostering of vocations, climate change, reaching out to the peripheries
and rural areas of the country.
(George Plathottam sdb)