Archdiocese of Pretoria Launches Synod Implementation Phase: A Call to Communion, Participation and Mission
By Sr Mary Otsanya Orinya & Fr Mathibela Sebothoma
Photos by Sr Mary Otsanya Orinya
On Sunday, 15 February 2026, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Pretoria gathered at the Church of the Beatitudes for a historic Eucharistic celebration: the official Launch of the Implementation Phase of the Synod, also referred to as the Launch of Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod.
The celebration was not merely ceremonial. It marked a decisive step in the local Church’s response to the global journey initiated by Synod on Synodality—a journey calling the Church to rediscover her identity as a people walking together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Powerful Symbols: Light and Mission
The liturgy began with the presentation of two significant symbols: a candle and the banner of the Archdiocese.
The synod candle was solemnly lit, representing Christ the Light who enlightens His Church as she discerns her path forward. Placed before the lectern, it signified that the Word of God must illuminate every discussion, decision and pastoral initiative.
The archdiocesan banner was placed beside the altar, visibly proclaiming the call to walk together, led by the Spirit. These symbols reminded the faithful that synodality is not a programme or a project, but a spiritual journey rooted in prayer, listening and mission.
Archbishop Mpako: “A Synodal Church in Mission”
At the beginning of Mass, Archbishop Dabula Mpako addressed the assembly:
“Dear Sisters and Brothers, the Universal Catholic Church has embarked upon the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality. The call and the invitation to us as members of the Church are to work at becoming a Synodal Church in Mission. Such a Church is characterized by Communion, Participation, and Mission.”
He emphasised that this global process harmonises with the Archdiocese’s own Pastoral Plan, which calls the local Church to become an Evangelising Community serving God, humanity and all creation.
The Archbishop clarified that the implementation phase is practical and transformative. It seeks to explore new practices and structures that will make synodality the ordinary way of being Church—not an occasional event, but a lived reality in parishes, deaneries and ministries.
He recalled the insistence of Pope Francis that the Holy Spirit is the primary agent of the Synod:
“If the Spirit is absent, the Synod fails; but if the Spirit guides, it becomes a transformative journey.”
The Archbishop invited all the faithful to openness, conversion and deep formation in synodality so that the process may unfold according to the mind of the Church, not personal preferences or agendas.
Bishop Selemela: The Family, the Inner Life and Discernment
In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Masilo Selemela wove together the themes of family life, moral formation and spiritual discernment.
1. The Family: Cradle of Life and Love
The Bishop reminded the faithful that the Church considers the family the basic cell of society. In the family, individuals are born, nurtured and formed. It is in the home—often described as a school of prayer and moral living—that children learn truth, love, mercy, compassion and justice.
He stressed that no social model can serve humanity adequately if it overlooks the centrality and responsibility of the family. The family forms consciences, builds commitments and cultivates solidarity. A synodal Church must therefore strengthen families, because healthy families build a healthy Church and society.
2. The “Tip of the Iceberg”: Looking Beneath the Surface
Using the powerful image of the iceberg, Bishop Selemela reflected on the Gospel teaching of Jesus, who calls believers to look beyond external behaviour to the deeper motivations of the heart.
Just as only a small portion of an iceberg is visible above the surface, much of human life remains hidden beneath outward actions. Anger can give rise to violence; lust can lead to betrayal. Jesus therefore calls His disciples not merely to keep rules, but to transform their inner life.
Synodality, the Bishop explained, also demands this depth. It is not about surface structures only; it requires inner conversion. It asks: What drives us? What motivates our pastoral decisions? Are we guided by the Spirit, or by personal ambition?
3. Discernment: Seeking God’s Will
The Bishop explored the meaning of discernment, rooted in the Latin discernere—to distinguish or separate. In the spiritual tradition of the Church, particularly in the teachings of Ignatius of Loyola, discernment involves recognising which movements come from God and which do not.
Discernment is not only choosing between good and evil. Often it is choosing between several good options and asking which one best aligns with God’s plan.
He cautioned against the temptation to “plant my church” rather than serve the Church Christ has already planted. The Church does not belong to us; rather, we belong to her. She is Mother.
In moments of discernment, prayer, Scripture, service to others and communal listening become essential. Synodality is therefore deeply spiritual before it is organisational.
4. The Spirit Who Reaches the Depths
Drawing from Saint Paul’s teaching, the Bishop reminded the faithful that only the Holy Spirit can reach the depths of God—and also the depths of our own hearts.
Within those depths lie both brokenness and grace. The Spirit who dwells within us makes us capable of great good. Yet we must continually pray for renewal:
“Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and enkindle in us the fire of your love.”
The Bishop concluded with a striking image from the Greek philosopher Plato: the two horses of Passion and Reason. Passion without direction leads to chaos; reason without passion leads to stagnation. When guided wisely, both can carry us forward. In the same way, Church structures and rules are necessary—but they serve the greater goal of spiritual maturity and holiness.
A Moment of Commitment
One of the most moving moments of the celebration was the commissioning rite.
Each dean of the various deaneries of the Archdiocese was called forward. Representatives from each deanery stood before the altar as their dean received a synod candle—symbolising their responsibility to carry the light of synodality back to their local communities.
A candle was also entrusted to the Synod Commission.
In a solemn gesture of unity, all present joined hands and sang “We Are One in the Spirit.” The hymn echoed through the church as a visible sign of communion—clergy, religious, laity and youth united in mission.
With this, the Archdiocesan Synodal Team—composed of clergy, religious, laity and young people—was officially commissioned.
What This Means for the Faithful
For those who were not present, the message is clear: this launch was not a one-day event. It is the beginning of a renewed way of being Church.
Synodality calls every baptised person to:
-
Listen deeply to God and to one another
-
Participate actively in parish and deanery life
-
Embrace mission beyond church walls
-
Seek ongoing formation
-
Allow personal and communal conversion
The implementation phase will require patience, humility and courage. It will involve learning new patterns of consultation, dialogue and shared responsibility. Above all, it will require trust in the Holy Spirit.
A Church Walking Together
The gathering at the Church of the Beatitudes was both solemn and hopeful. It demonstrated that the Archdiocese of Pretoria is committed to walking this synodal path faithfully and courageously.
As Archbishop Mpako reminded the faithful, this journey will demand openness to transformation at many levels. But guided by the Spirit, it promises renewal.
The candle has been lit.
The path has been opened.
The Church in Pretoria now walks forward—together.