Pretoria's Archbishop sees priests as spark for synodal communities

By Sr. Roselyne Wambani Wafula

Inspired by the Second Vatican Council's call for a Church in communion, Pope Francis launched the Synod on Synodality, a call for a more inclusive, collaborative Church – a synodal Church, an invitation for all members to actively participate in the life of the Church.

But as the second session of the Synod approaches, a crucial question remains: How do we get there? How can we bridge the gap between the ideal and reality?

In an interview with Vatican News, South African Archbishop Dabula Mpako shared an important input: “Priests must become catalysts for synodal communities.”

From hierarchy to collaboration

Archbishop Dabula Mpako of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria, emphasized the need for a “paradigm shift” within the Church.

This shift requires moving away from a clergy-centric model towards a synodal one that embraces the full participation of all God's people and empowers all its members.

“Priests must shed clerical attitudes and habits,” he said, “becoming not just leaders, but catalysts for communities to embrace shared decision-making.”

Archbishop Dabula Mpako said, the Church needs "a ‘spiritual conversion’ at all levels—personal, parochial, diocesan, and universal.”

This conversion, he explained, requires a transformation in the attitudes and habits of priests themselves. Letting go of “clerical attitudes” is crucial.

Instead, priests are called to become “catalysts for synodal communities.” This new role demands a collaborative spirit, where priests act as facilitators and guides, empowering the voices of laity  and religious sisters and brothers within the Church.

Embracing the synodal virtues

This new model demands the cultivation of “synodal virtues,” Archbishop Mpako explained. Leaders must actively “go to the peripheries,” listening attentively to the voices of those who often feel marginalized. It requires openness to diverse perspectives, and a willingness to transcend oneself and receive new insights with humility, he said.

The Archbishop emphasized the importance of walking together, not just within parishes, but across dioceses and the universal Church.

Synodality is not about solving problems, he noted, but about creating a new model: a Church infused with the Holy Spirit, where structures and processes naturally reflect a collaborative spirit.

That means moving away from a top-down model to one where everyone, clergy and laity alike, has a voice. “This isn't about solving problems, it's about a complete transformation,” he insisted.

Rekindling the Spirit of Vatican II: A transformed Church

“The core principle of the Church as ‘communion’ and the ‘People of God’ was already established by Vatican II. Now, it's time to rekindle this spirit, transforming local Churches, parishes, and dioceses into vibrant communities where all voices are heard and valued,” Archbishop Mpako said.

This transformation will revitalize existing structures, ensuring they operate with a renewed commitment to shared decision-making.

Looking ahead to the second session of the Synod, Archbishop Mpako expressed confidence, noting extensive consultations that have already taken place and work on the preparatory document (Instrumentum laboris).

This focused approach, he said, will lead to a more productive gathering compared to the first session.