While all the faithful throughout the world are encouraged to observe the 2025 “Pilgrims of Hope” Jubilee, the celebration includes pilgrimages to Rome by various church groups: there have been Jubilees of Artists, of the Armed Forces and Police, of People with Disabilities, and many more.
The recent Jubilee for Synodal Teams was intended for Catholics from around the world who have been especially active in their diocesan synodality efforts. Having served as our diocesan synodal coordinator for four years, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge asked me to represent our diocese at that Jubilee, which I was honored to attend.
By way of background, remember that Pope Francis convoked the 2021 Ordinary Session of the Synod of Bishops in Rome on the theme of “synodality” itself: that is how every member of the church shares co-responsibility for the church’s mission and must dialogue and collaborate in support of the apostolate. A global series of diocesan, national and continental synodal listening sessions followed in preparation for a second Ordinary Session of the Synod of Bishops in Rome on the theme of synodality in 2024. At the conclusion of that synod, Pope Francis advocated, and Pope Leo confirmed, a universal “Implementation Phase” to take place over the next few years during which dioceses and the whole church will evaluate their synodal practices, to culminate in a universal “Ecclesial Assembly” in Rome in 2028. I am happy to continue to serve our bishop and diocese as synodal coordinator during the upcoming implementation phase.
The Jubilee included three main events. On Friday evening, Oct. 24, there was first an “Opening Prayer and Inaugural Session,” followed by a “Plenary Session: Encounter-Dialogue with Pope Leo XIV.” Our Holy Father listened to presentations on synodal efforts by seven continental representatives, then extemporaneously answered their questions — in English as well as in flawless Spanish and Italian. In the context of discussing the crucial role of women in the life of the church, he shared this amusing but instructional anecdote: “I grew up in a Catholic family in which my mother — and also my father, both of them — were very, very active in the parish. Once, years ago, when there was much discussion in the United States — I’m talking about the 1970s —about equality between men and women, I said to my mother: ‘Do you want to be equal to men?’ And she replied: ‘No, because we’re already better!’ And she certainly wasn’t joking. There are so many gifts that women have, which they could already offer in many ways back then, in the life of the family and the parish.”
On Saturday, Oct. 25, attendees reverently passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning, then spent the day engaged in a variety of workshops and seminars on synodal themes. I participated in a general session for synodal coordinators, and in two English-language workshops: one on “Nurturing Synodality in the Local Church — Parish Life and Synodal Teams,” and one on “Forming for Leadership in a Synodal Church — Principles, Processes, and Practices.” The sessions began with presentations by experts, then moved to discussions on the topics by clergy and laity from every country. The conversations took place in a spirit of charity and with a view to sharing synodal best practices, exploring the many ways all the faithful can collaborate in the church’s mission. That evening, there was a chilly but reverent “Marian Prayer Vigil” in St. Peter’s Square, at which pilgrims prayed for Our Lady’s intercession as we seek to continue our synodal work.
Finally, on Sunday, Oct. 26, it was a great grace to attend — and for the priests, to concelebrate — Mass with Pope Leo in St. Peter’s Basilica. Celebrating Mass at the Tomb of St. Peter with Pope Leo, his new American successor, was inspiring and a profound joy. The intention for which I offered that Mass was for Bishop Burbidge and for all the people of our diocese. I was especially blessed to be chosen to distribute Holy Communion, which meant I was a concelebrant standing at the foot of the main altar, just a few feet from the Holy Father.
Having returned home, I will continue to work with Bishop Burbidge to plan our diocesan “Synodal Implementation Phase” that will begin in the new year. Together as a diocese we will re-commit to and deepen our many established synodal practices. While we already robustly engage in synodality in our diocese — with our bishop, clergy, religious, and lay faithful working together in so many fruitful ways for the apostolate — we can always do more to foster our co-responsibility for the church’s mission to proclaim, celebrate, and live the Good News of Jesus in Virginia and beyond.
Fr. Planty is pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington.
