Explaining that the Synod on Synodality is an attempt by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to help Christians work together – bishops, priests, religious, lay people, men and women, to stay together, do things together, pray together, and take decisions together regardless of their differences, the Superior General of the Society of African Mission (SMA), Rev. Fr. Antonio Porcellato, disclosed that the Nigerian church is already journeying on that synodal path of participation and dialogue.
In an exclusive chat with CSN Media, the Superior General while on a familiarization visit to the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, in Abuja, during the first 2024 plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), with the theme: ‘Synod on Synodality: Areas of interest for the church in Nigeria,’ emphasised that the plenary assembly by the Nigerian Bishops is in itself ‘Synodality,’ because of its all inclusive participation and dialogue with the laity and other sodality groups in the church.
“The Synod on Synodality is an attempt by the Pope to help Christians work together – bishops, lay people, men and women stay together, do things together, pray together, and take decisions together despite their differences. I can see that already among the Nigerian church, last week I was in Kontagora Diocese and I saw in parishes, the way the catechist and every other person participated in making decisions concerning the parish, which in itself is already synodality, even the Bishops Conference here, in Nigeria is Synodality, because of the all-inclusive participation and dialogue with the laity, and that is the keyword; participation and dialogue.”
Fr. Porcellato who is the first Italian to become the Superior General of the SMA, gave a historical account of the congregation in Nigeria, disclosing that the Nigerian province, which was established about 40 years ago, has 67 missionary priests, 45 of whom are out of Nigeria as missionaries to other parts of the world. He acknowledged the growth of the congregation in Africa and the excellent performance of Nigerian priests on Mission.
Fr. Porcellato, confirmed that he spent about 10 years in Nigeria and commended the progressive growth of the Catholic faith in Nigeria in terms of buildings and structures. He however, appealed that the impact of the faith should also be felt in the social issues affecting the country currently; like in the areas of corruption, injustices, and all sorts of social differences. He also challenged the youths to make sincere commitments in this regard as true Christians.
