Celebrating the Jubilee as a synodal Church

by Fr Peter McIsaac SJ,

Director of Synodal Transformation

On November 16, 2024, when the faithful gathered at the Centre of Excellence and engaged in conversations in the Spirit, the matter for discernment was: ‘How can we celebrate this Jubilee of hope as a Synodal Church in our Archdiocese and in our local parishes and ecclesial communities?’

The following is a synthesis of the summaries of conversations in the Spirit around the tables on that day.

Throughout the conversations, there was a spirit of hope and a general feeling that “hope is real”. Participants experienced a sense of peace around the tables as they expressed ways in which the Church could become a “beacon of hope”.

The faithful expressed deep concern for the lack of participation of youth and the marginalised in a meaningful way, and there was an urgency which was desired in terms of the Church hosting “intentional activities” to engage, listen to, and support them to participate in the life of the Church.

The conversations on that day focused more on the formation of the synodal Church instead of just looking at ways in which we can celebrate the Jubilee in 2025. The following themes emerged:

Forgiveness and Reconciliation– Emphasising healing of personal, family and community relationships

Inclusivity– Creating welcoming environments for listening and journeying with others, including marginalised groups

Youth Engagement– Bridging the intergenerational divide and embracing technology and peer-led activities to connect with youth

Relationship Building and Church as Community– Christ-centred living in which discipleship is at the heart of all our interactions

Faith Formation– Fostering spiritual growth and renewal

Mission and Evangelisation and Outreach– Creating flourishing ministries and extending the Church’s mission beyond traditional boundaries

Leadership and Discernment– Demonstrating servant leadership at all levels, guided by the Holy Spirit

Hospitality– Embracing a spirituality of hospitality that is empathetic and non-judgemental.

In terms of discernment, there seemed to be significant repetition of what emerged during previous conversations in the Spirit held throughout the Synod process and a strong desire for the Church to embrace mercy and forgiveness to bring about healing and hope.

The consensus was that, ultimately, the Jubilee Year of Hope, as celebrated in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, should be a profound manifestation of love which is the essence of our faith and at the heart of the Synodal journey.

By fostering forgiveness, inclusivity, and unity, we respond to Christ’s call to love one another (Jn 13:34) and embody the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13: love that is patient, kind, rejoicing in truth, and enduring all things.

Through acts of reconciliation, cultural integration, and outreach, we manifest a love that is not self-seeking or boastful but a love that inspires hope and binds communities together. Even as we engage in the most extraordinary acts of faith and service, these have meaning only when rooted in love—the greatest of all virtues.

As we listen to each other, serve the marginalised, and celebrate our shared faith, we reaffirm that love is the foundation of our mission. This Jubilee Year reminds us that hope flows from a love that heals, transforms, and unites, inviting everyone to encounter the living Christ and share His enduring promise of salvation.

Indeed, as Paul reminds us, love never fails, and it is through love that we inspire and sustain the hope we celebrate.