Rectors from seminaries across the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) have been encouraged to embrace synodality with courage and translate what they have learnt into practical formation programmes for future priests.
The call was made during the closing Mass of the African Synodality Initiative’s curriculum development workshop at Padre Pio Retreat Centre in the Archdiocese of Pretoria on Thursday, 29 October. Eighteen rectors from across the IMBISA region had gathered for the workshop, which began on Tuesday, 27 October, to reflect on how synodality can be integrated into priestly formation.
Father Miranda Feliciano of the Diocese of Sumbe in Angola was the principal celebrant at the closing Mass. He was joined at the altar by Father Jerome Nyathi, who works at St John Vianney Seminary in South Africa, and Father Tatiano Jamba of the Archdiocese of Lubango in Angola.
Importance of walking together
In his homily, the celebrant reflected on synodality as a way of being Church, calling rectors and participants to rediscover the importance of walking together in fulfilling the mission entrusted to them by God. He emphasised that synodality is not simply a new concept to be studied but a way of life that calls the Church to strengthen relationships, listen to one another and work together in guiding the people of God. The workshop, he said, had offered participants an opportunity to reflect on the Church’s mission in the region and how they could contribute to its renewal through formation.
Father Feliciano challenged the rectors to have the courage to implement this approach when they returned to their respective seminaries.
Reflecting on the day’s Scripture readings, the homily highlighted the importance of spiritual strength in carrying out the Church’s mission, particularly when confronted with difficulties and opposition. The celebrant encouraged the rectors to draw on the Word of God and prayer as essential sources of strength in their ministry. He also recalled the importance of the Rosary and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, urging participants to deepen their spiritual lives as they prepared future priests for service to the Church. Quoting the wisdom associated with St Augustine, the homily emphasised that those who teach others about God must first cultivate their own relationship with him through prayer.
Father Feliciano also drew attention to Jesus’ courage in the Gospel of Luke 13: 31-35 in continuing his mission despite the threats he faced from Herod. This example, the celebrant said, should inspire Church leaders to remain committed to their responsibilities, even when external circumstances become challenging. The rectors were encouraged to help seminarians develop the courage to embrace synodality and become future leaders who can serve their communities with faith, conviction and compassion.
The celebrant concluded the homily by asking God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to give the participants the grace to overcome their fears and put into practice what they had learnt during the workshop.
The workshop’s takeaways
Following the Mass, the rectors evaluated the workshop and discussed ways in which IMBISA could strengthen its support for rectors and seminaries across the region. Among the proposals suggested was the introduction of regional exchange programmes for formators, allowing them to teach at other seminaries for a semester. The proposed exchanges would enable formators to share their expertise, expose seminarians to different approaches to formation and enrich the educational programmes offered by seminaries across the region. Such collaboration would also create opportunities for the sharing of experiences and best practices, strengthening formation through greater regional cooperation.
Father Enrio Parry, director of IMBISA, officially closed the workshop’s programme following the evaluation and discussions. The day’s programme also included a visit to St John Vianney Major Seminary and an excursion to landmarks in Pretoria.
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