Synod 2021-2023
Closing of the Diocesan phase of the Synod 2021-2023 in the Archdiocese of Hyderabad
The Diocesan phase of the Synod 2021-2023 was concluded by His Eminence, CardinalDr. Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, at a special Liturgical celebration on Sunday, 5 th June 2022 at St Mary’s Basilica, Secunderabad. Before the concluding mass His Eminence Cardinal Dr. Poola Anthony met the Diocesan Synodal Team in an informal meeting over tea at St. Ann’s High School SSC Hall.
The eventbegan with a ceremonial procession led by the various representatives of DeanerySynodal Teams, both laity and the religious, followed by the deans, priests and His Eminence Dr Poola Anthony.
Fr. David Francis briefed the congregation on the significance of the Synod, and the call of Pope Francis to this Synod, to journey in the footsteps of the early Christians, with Mother Mary and the Apostles in the upper room, in the spirit of communion, participation and mission, in prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In his homily, His Eminence Dr Poola Anthony said that the church has taken the call of Pope Francis seriously and every diocese is taking all steps to meet the expectations of the Holy Father.
In wishing everyone on the feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, His Eminence said that communion is being in one family, where we enjoy the different cultures, languages and traditions. We should get out of our tendency to judge based on outward appearances, or on differences like caste, language, rich or poor, etc. He reminded us of Jesus’ eye resting on the poor widow who gave all she had to the temple mite. This should be our attitude as we break barriers, build bridges as the mystical Body of Christ to build up the one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
He stressed on the need for forming parish councils as per the authorized guidelines. We need to provide transparency on the funds and goods available, which do not belong to us but to the faithful and of which we are the custodians. He appealed to all to have the magnanimity to practice transparency in all matters.
He also said we should be reborn, leaving behind old habits, attitudes and ‘we are supposed to imbibe the spirit of Jesus, the mentality, the attitude of Jesus, the love, joy, compassion and forgiveness of Jesus.”Jesus’ followers wanted to make him a king but instead He called His disciples and washed their feet and invites them to do the same. We should follow His example of service, as per the gifts and talents we have received from God, regardless of our own personal status.He invited everyone to contribute and collaborate fully in this Synod and to the Synod Team.
After the Eucharist, there was a short ceremony which included a brief testimony of Synodal experiences at their deaneries by three members of the Synod Team followed by the reading of a brief summary of the Diocesan Synthesis. The Diocesan Report was then officially handed over to His Eminence Dr Poola Anthony.
In his brief concluding address His Eminence appreciated the efforts of everyone who had collaborated on this project.He invited all to take the synodal journey seriously so that we bear much fruit in our archdiocese, in the universal church and for the greater glory of God.
Fr Dion Isaac, Convenor Diocesan Synod Team thanked everyone involved in the Synod activity for their work and the priests, sisters and other team members who made the evening a success.
The programme ended with priests and representatives of various groups, felicitating His Eminence, Cardinal, Most Reverend, Dr Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, on his elevation to Cardinal by His Holiness Pope Francis.