Parishes of Porto prepare Diocesan Synod

Parishes in the city of Porto held a formation meeting on October 17 to prepare for the upcoming Diocesan Synod. Approximately 160 participants from the Porto Nascente and Porto Poente vicariates gathered at the parish of São Martinho de Cedofeita for the session, which was presided over by Bishop Manuel Linda.

The meeting served as the initial phase of a diocesan process themed "Being Porto: form, reform, transform." This phase continues through December to prepare communities for the constitution of synodal teams in January. During the session, participants used the "Conversation in the Spirit" method across 15 small groups to practice listening and sharing experiences.

According to the diocesan newspaper Voz Portucalense, the training aimed to motivate parishioners to engage actively in the life and mission of the Church. Participants identified several challenges for the synod, including moving from an individualistic mindset to a communal one, listening without judgment, and respecting differences.

The group emphasized the need to build more open communities that welcome newcomers, listen to young people, and reach out to those far from the Church or in fragile situations. Other priorities mentioned included strengthening communion between parish groups, training laypeople, renewing catechesis, and using pastoral councils as spaces for shared responsibility.