Cardinal Mario Grech commends India’s CCBI National Synodal Assembly (1–3 May 2026) as a hopeful, prophetic journey of listening.
Newsroom (07/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod Secretariat in Rome, has praised the Church in India for gathering as “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope,” commending the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s (CCBI) National Synodal Assembly as a “powerful witness” to both the Church and society.
In a message addressed to His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Cardinal Grech recognized the Assembly as more than a scheduled meeting. He described it as an expression of synodality itself—an outward sign of how the People of God are walking together toward the fulfilment of God’s Kingdom.
“Walking together” as a sign of hope
Cardinal Grech grounded his praise in a definition of synodality that places the journey at the center of the Church’s mission. He described synodality as “the walking together of Christians with Christ and towards God’s Kingdom, in union with all humanity.”
Within that framework, he highlighted the importance of a shared spiritual attitude: the willingness of bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful to listen to the Holy Spirit together. In his view, this readiness is already “a sign of hope.”
The Vatican message further affirmed that the National Synodal Assembly is a “powerful witness” of the Church as the People of God travel together—an approach that signals both spiritual renewal within ecclesial life and an influence beyond the Church’s internal boundaries.
A prophetic force against polarization
Cardinal Grech wrote that synodality not only changes how the Church lives, but also carries a wider social responsibility. He said synodality “not only transforms ecclesial life, but also has a prophetic force for society,” and that it can become “a true antidote to polarizations and divisions.”
This language frames the synodal process as an instrument for social healing: a way of moving beyond fragmentation and into a shared commitment to reconciliation, justice, and peace. By emphasizing that community members can “listen, discern, and move forward together,” Cardinal Grech portrayed synodality as a form of “leaven of hope” in a world seeking unity.
Assembly held in Bangalore, 1–3 May 2026
The National Synodal Assembly of the CCBI took place from 1–3 May 2026 in Bangalore. Cardinal Grech’s message situated this gathering within the Church’s continuing pilgrimage—affirming that the Assembly’s significance lies in the manner of walking together, not only the fact that the event occurred.
He praised the synodal journey of the Church in India and underscored the Assembly’s role in advancing the Church’s path through shared discernment. The emphasis on “listening, discerning, and moving forward together” was presented as both a spiritual practice and a sign capable of inspiring wider hope.
Guidance for the road to the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly
Cardinal Grech also informed the CCBI that the Synod Secretariat in Rome will soon publish a document intended to guide local Churches and Bishops’ Conferences in preparation for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly in Rome. He expressed the hope that this forthcoming resource will support the Church in India in continuing its synodal journey.
That communication positioned the Bangalore Assembly as part of a larger, ongoing process—one that extends beyond local deliberations and contributes to preparations for a major ecclesial gathering in 2028.
Gratitude and entrustment to Mary
Concluding his message, Cardinal Grech expressed gratitude to the bishops and faithful of India for their “leadership and pastoral dedication” during this “moment of grace.” He also entrusted the Assembly to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, reinforcing the message’s theme that synodal work is rooted in prayerful fidelity, communal discernment, and shared hope.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Catholic Connect India
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