Archdiocese of Jaro launches implementation of Synod decrees
The Archdiocese of Jaro is launching the implementation of the Acts and Decrees of the 3rd Synod of Jaro, in a Holy Mass at 8:30 in the morning, November 19, at the Jaro Cathedral, with Jaro Archbishop and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Angel Lagdameo presiding.
In a Pastoral Letter to the Clergy and all the Faithful, Archbishop Lagdameo said the real meaning and effect of the Synod are "not the Acts and the 158 Decrees formulated" but the impact these will bring to the lives of the people years after.
Lagdameo said the holding of the 3rd Synod has been a journey for the people of God in Jaro, towards the direction of the "fullness of communion, through communion in discipleship, participation in stewardship and co-responsibility in service," which are concretely expressed in the 158 decrees.
The process of the 3rd Synod "journey" in the Archdiocese started on November 17, 2005 and was completed on November 17, 2006, where series of in-depth consultations, gatherings, workshops and spiritual events were conducted, after which a document presenting 14 concerns was formulated.
Lagdameo said these gatherings of people in a journey were all directed towards a goal that should be achieved, for the Church to be a community of disciples formed in the image of the Trinity; a renewed Church, living and participating as well as witnessing for the Gospel; a Church that is for the poor, in justice and biased towards full human development.
He also said that the faithful should reflect on the graces found in the contents of the decrees on Worship that seek to strengthen a prayerful life and relationship with God and fellowmen; in the Catechesis that should help people to know Christ more; in the Church's Social Apostolate Concerns which aim at the full growth of the human being; in the Biblical Apostolate that recognizes the Word of God as foundation of the life of the Church; the concerns on the participation of the Laity; the Family Life decrees which advance the care and preference for life; the concerns on Youth's presence and fellowship in the Church; the sensitivity to the call for Vocation; good stewardship in the care of the Church's material gifts; and the strong sense of service with the concerns on Church Administration.
The Synod also identified concerns on the Clergy, Women/Men Religious, Social communications and Catholic Schools. The concerns are embodied in the tasks of the Commissions concerned, where each Commission is headed by a clergy director. These Commission directors are expected to lead in the gradual and meaningful implementation of the decrees.
The First Synod of Jaro was promulgated on April 24, 1911, under Bishop Dennis J. Dougherty, D.D., 46 years after Jaro became a Diocese, while the Second was done on November 19-22, 1933, under Bishop James McCloskey, D.D., 22 years after the first.
This 3rd Synod is held 140 years after Jaro became a diocese, 54 years after it became an archdiocese and 72 years after the 2nd Synod, now under Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
The perspective in the conduct of the Synod is that the bishop, the clergy and the lay all together take a closer look into what the archdiocese is now, where is it in its dynamic journey today and what changes should take place. (PIA 6)