The genuine implementation of a Synodal Church will remain difficult as long as the dominance of a few lay individuals continues in some parishes of the Diocese, said Fr. Josephthas Jebaratnam, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jaffna.
He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at a special gathering of the Jaffna Deanery Pastoral Council, held on 18 July at Bishop Justin Hall, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jaffna. The meeting was chaired by Rev. Fr. Jero Selvanayagam, Dean of the Jaffna Deanery.
The programme focused on practical ways of implementing the recommendations of the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality at both parish and diocesan levels. A new Secretary and Treasurer were also elected to the Executive Committee of the Deanery Pastoral Council.
In his presentation, Rev. Fr. Josephthas Jebaratnam explained the pastoral circular issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka regarding the implementation of Synodal Church initiatives in parishes.
A second keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Raviraj, Lecturer at St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary, who reflected on the practical dimensions of communion, participation and mission in the life of a Synodal Church.
The presentations were followed by group discussions and interactive sessions focusing on ways to implement the Synod’s recommendations within parish communities.
Around 40 participants, including priests, religious sisters and parish representatives, took part in the gathering.
