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REBUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SYNODALITY: A REFLECTION FROM SOUTH AFRICA
In a world still stumbling from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Synod on Synodality has
emerged as a powerful force for rebuilding and reconsidering communities within the Church. Sean van
Staden, a Jesuit scholastic working at the Jesuit Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa, reflects on this
transformative journey and the profound impact it has had on communities devastated by the global
crisis.
“The first phase of the Synod coincided with a time when many communities were struggling to recover
from the isolation and fragmentation caused by prolonged lockdowns. It was during this period that the
Synod created an opportunity for people to come together, share their experiences of God and the
Church, and, most importantly, listen to one another. Across cultures and generations, individuals who
had felt disconnected or overlooked found a renewed sense of belonging” says Sean.
"For the first time, I feel listened to; for the first time, I feel part of the Church," was a recurring
sentiment during these gatherings. This deep listening and sharing not only fostered new connections
but also began to rebuild communities that had fallen apart. The Synod’s emphasis on communion,
participation, and mission resonated deeply, offering a model for how the Church can move forward in
both global and local contexts.
Sean Van Staden further says, “in Africa, the invitation to become more synodal carries a particular
urgency. It calls on the Church to come together, listen to diverse voices, and grow as a community
united in faith and mission”. Sean reminds us, this process of sharing, listening, and rebuilding is not just
an event but a continuous journey; one that has the potential to revitalize the Church and its mission in
the world.
Let us embrace this call to synodality, allowing it to guide us as we rebuild stronger, more inclusive
communities of faith that reflect the beauty of diversity and the power of unity.
