Synodality Store: space for reflection on the presence of Latin America in the Catholic Church

“The Shop of Synodality” is the title given to an initiative promoted by the Amerindia network and the Latin American Observatory of Synodalitywhose objective is to reflect on the presence of Latin America in the Catholic Church, as well as to continue promoting the synodal process.

This space for meeting and dialogue, which also aims to offer an experience of faith, has been inaugurated in Rome within the framework of the second session of the Synod of Synodality.

Until October 23, the faithful who visit the Eternal City and the members of the Synod are invited to visit this “store” where cultural events, panels, gatherings, art exhibitions and presentations of new books will take place, among other activities.

According to the Observatory, during these days different topics such as the Hispanic world, people of African descent, popular movements, politics, or the laity will be addressed, in a synodal key.

At its inauguration on October 7, Elisabet Román, president of the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry, reflected on the Hispanic Church in the United States, where due to the migrant population it constitutes 45% of the country’s Catholic population.

He also emphasized the decline in young Latino Catholics born in the United States, warning of the lack of Latino representation in Catholic leadership and defending the need for their integration into parish life.

As reported Celam DNAthe institution’s news organ, Román also pointed out that there are currently approximately 3,200 Latino priests in the United States, which represents only 9% of the country’s clergy.

Upcoming events

With the support of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Synodality, two spaces for dialogue are also planned. On the one hand, Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, and Sr. Gloria Liliana Franco, President of the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Religious, will present the topic “From the Pan-Amazonian Synod to the Synod of Synodality.”

Likewise, a space for dialogue will be opened to “discern in the Spirit and in daily life”, in which Mauricio López, director of the Amazon University Program (PUAM), and Sister. Daniela Cannavina, General Secretary of the CLAR.

The events can be followed in person at the Sant’ Alberto dei Camelitani International College (Via Sforza Pallavicini), or through the social networks of Amerindia and the Latin American Observatory of Synodality. The complete program can be consulted here.