The Maltese Synodal Path

Introduction

In a previous post, synodality in the universal Church was discussed. In this post, the Maltese Synodal Path is explained in brief. The currently ongoing Maltese synodal path is a continuation of a diocesan synod that took place over five years, herein referred to as the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003. Consequently, one cannot look at the current Maltese synod in isolation.

The Diocesan Synod 1999-2003

The Core Details

It was the first diocesan synod after the Second Vatican Council. The Diocesan Synod 1999-2003 marked the twenty-fifth episcopal anniversary of the archbishop of the time, Joseph Mercieca. Archbishop Mercieca issued five decrees throughout the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003. These decrees were:

1. The Creation of the Central Commission of the Synod
2. The Initiation of the Diocesan Synod
3. The Opening of the Synodal Assembly
4. The Conclusion of the Synod and the Creation of the Synodal Implementation Commission
5. The Approval of the Synodal Documents

Furthermore, the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003 was accompanied by a directory (i.e. Id-Direttorju tas-Sinodu Djoċesan). It consisted of ten titles accompanied by relative articles and served as guidelines for the synodal process. As noted from the decrees, the creation of two commissions took place for the synodal purpose:

1. The Central Commission (i.e. it assists the archbishop in the preparation of the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003)
2. The Synodal Implementation Commission (i.e.it, assists the archbishop in implementing the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003)

Additionally, there were eight working groups of the synodal assembly, each having a theme to discuss and explore. The themes were:

1. The Vision of a Communion Church
2. Culture-Society-Church
3. The Catholic Laity
4. Transmission of the Word
5. The Liturgy and the Sacraments
6. Diaconia and Justice
7. Marriage and the Family
8. Adolescents and Youth

What it Entailed

The directory uses canon law to explain that the synod follows the 1983 Code’s canons on the diocesan synod (cc.460-468). It further states that the members of the synodal assembly are chosen either ex officio, by election or nominated by the archbishop as per c.463 §§1-2 and a list of the possible members is provided. The 1983 Code is mentioned once more in connection with the profession of the faith of the members of the synodal assembly according to c.833, 1°.

There are two points worth mentioning. First, several persons took part, mainly the laity. Secondly, the archbishop of the time invited everyone within the Maltese society to discuss with him and listen to one another in the process to understand each other. One hundred thousand persons participated in this consultation, mainly through the parishes. The creation of the eight themes and the working groups took place based on the result of the consultation.

The central commission made sure of three things. Firstly, there is total freedom for the persons responding to the questions. Secondly, nobody is to be left out; thus, the random sampling method was adopted for the survey. Thirdly, it was ensured that while everyone had the opportunity to participate, consultation was also done to reach out to persons within their work environment. Finally, to ensure that the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003 is implemented, three aims were created:

1. The delivery of the synod’s message
2. The fulfilment of particular propositions
3. The sketching of a harmonic plan

The Maltese Synodal Path 2020-2024

A Continuation

Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna initiated the Maltese Synodal Path by updating the documents of the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003 to reflect the realities of the Church and Maltese society today. The diocesan assembly of 2018 is responsible for this update. One Church, One Journey is the name of the current synod in Malta. It followed the same methodology as the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003. One Church, One Journey is a renewal of the previous synod. However, there are two Gospel inspirations: the Disciples of Emmaus (Lk 24:13-36) and St. Paul’s Shipwreck on the Maltese Islands – notably because the Maltese people “showed [us] unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2).

The Themes

Following the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003, One Church, One Journey also has eight themes. However, the inspiration of these themes come from the aforementioned Gospel narratives, as noted below. In addition, the Church in Malta adopted four attitudes and dedicated a year for each. The four pastoral attitudes will pinpoint how the local Church witnesses the Good News in Malta today: a Church that listens (2020), welcomes (2021), accompanies (2022) and goes forth (2023). In 2024, the diocesan assembly will launch a new process related to ‘going forth’ to respond to the current times. The archdiocese recommended that the Church collaborate with the entities for each of these attitudes.

An Example of an Adaptation

The Malta Catholic Youth Network (MCYN) created an abbreviated document for adolescents and youth. Additionally, the archdiocese created an electronic domain for individuals to send their queries. Provided that One Church, One Journey follows the methodology of the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003, one assumes that canonically, the same procedures took place and will continue to take place. Moreover, in 2004, there was the publication of the document with all the information about the Diocesan Synod 1999-2003. Consequently, one might be able to read the renewed decrees, directory, and implementation plan, in one to two years.

Conclusion

Understandably, every particular church has its own issues and concerns to address. Consequently, every diocesan synod will have its own themes. However, this does not mean that some themes will not be similar. Ultimately, what matters is that urgent issues are to be addressed with the input of all the members of the Church.

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Sources

• Ġużeppi Mercieca, Ittra Pastorali, 21 September 1999.
• L-Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta, Is-Sinodu Nixxiegħa ta’ Ħajja Ġdida: Tagħrif, Msida, Media Centre, 2004.
• L-Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta, One Church, One Journey A Process of Ecclesial Renewal 2020‑2024, Mrieħel, Progress Print, 2022.
• L-Arċidjoċesi ta’ Malta, Synod 2021-2024, <https://church.mt/synod/>, (last accessed on 4 April 2023).
• Malta Catholic Youth Network, One Church, One Journey for Youth Ministry: An Abridged Guide through ‘A Process of Ecclesial Renewal 2020 – 2024.
• Vassallo, A., Diskussi d-dokumenti tas-Sinodu Djoċesan biex jiġu aġġornati għar-realtajiet tal-lum, <https://tvmnews.mt/news/diskussi-d-dokumenti-tas-sinodu-djocesan-biex-jigu-aggornati-ghar-realtajiet-tal-lum/>, 4 December 2018, (last accessed on 4 April 2023).