“Sintonizar o Sínodo”: começaram os encontros vicariais

The Diocese of Porto has begun a series of vicariate meetings titled "Sintonizar o Sínodo" to provide formation and information regarding the Diocesan Synod. The first meeting took place on September 26 at the Cortegaça Pastoral Center in the Espinho-Ovar vicariate, where approximately 130 people participated. These meetings will continue throughout the diocese until December.

Auxiliary Bishop Roberto Mariz opened the session by stating that the Church must read the signs of the times and listen to the various realities within its communities. He noted that the current level of participation offers hope for a process that will continue until 2028 and should eventually include more people, including those less involved in parish life. Bishop Mariz emphasized that discernment should arise from communion and that the future of the community belongs to everyone rather than a single individual.

During the meeting, participants were divided into 16 groups representing different parishes to engage in a practice called Conversation in the Spirit. This method allows members to listen to one another as part of the communal discernment process.