- 03 May, 2026
Bengaluru, May 3, 2026: Emphasising that synodality is a journey undertaken together with Christ, Cardinal Antony Poola urged the bishops and delegates of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) to embrace their shared mission with patience, discernment, and hope during the Eucharistic celebration on the third day of the National Synodal Assembly.
Presiding over the Holy Mass, Cardinal Poola expressed his appreciation to all those involved in organising the assembly. Reflecting on the day's Scripture readings, he highlighted that the Word of God itself had gathered the Church for this important moment of communion and discernment.
"We are not standing still. We are on a journey," the Cardinal said. "It is made step by step, but we travel with Jesus."
Drawing from the first reading, Cardinal Poola pointed to the apostles' response to the concerns raised by the early Christian community. Rather than ignoring the issue or acting impulsively, they gathered the community and discerned together.
"The apostles did not ignore the complaint, nor did they act hastily," he noted. "They called everyone together and discerned. This is the process of discernment."
He said this model remains central to the Church's synodal journey today, where listening, consultation, and shared responsibility are indispensable. Synodality, he stressed, is not merely a structure but a way of being Church.
"Synodality is about sharing responsibility," he said. "After discernment, the apostles returned to their mission. This gives us direction for our own journey."
Reflecting on the second reading, Cardinal Poola reminded the assembly of their identity as the People of God.
"We are living stones, a chosen race, a royal priesthood," he said. "We are chosen in communion, not as isolated stones."
He underscored that every member of the Church is called and sent, sharing in Christ's priestly mission to proclaim the Gospel.
"We are priestly people with a mission. All are called, and all are sent," he said.
Turning to the Gospel, Cardinal Poola centred his reflection on Christ's declaration: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
"We do not invent the way," he said. "Jesus is the way. We do not create life; we receive it as a gift."
He described synodality as fundamentally rooted in following Christ together, rather than adhering to a fixed formula or administrative model.
"Synodality cannot be reduced to a single model," he said. "We learn by walking together."
Invoking the words of Pope Francis, Cardinal Poola reminded the assembly that synodality is the path God expects the Church to follow in the third millennium. He called for a Church that is deeply committed to both communion and mission.
"The Church must be a place of mission and communion," he said.
Acknowledging that the synodal journey can sometimes seem slow, the Cardinal encouraged the faithful not to lose heart.
"We do not remain passive. Each of us has a unique place. Our presence and fidelity matter," he said. "Let us not be discouraged by the slow pace. Let us take one step at a time."
He concluded by inviting the assembly to continue forward in faith, united in Christ and sustained by hope.
"Let us journey as pilgrims of hope," Cardinal Poola said.
Concelebrants at the Eucharistic celebration were Archbishop Francis Kalist, Archbishop Durairaj, Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur, and Archbishop Elias Gonsalves.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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