Formation in a Synodal Church

A number of our Sisters participated in the CMSPI – Conference Major Superiors of the Pacific Islands Assembly 2025, held from 13–18 October at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, Fiji. The gathering brought together religious superiors, seminarians and lay leaders from across the Pacific to reflect on the theme “Formation in a Synodal Church.”

Keynote speakers Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, OP, and Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, led the assembly through days of prayer, reflection, and deep listening. Sr. Kalala said that although they spoke for only half an hour each day, their insights were profound, challenging the hearts of more than 250 participants.

A central message of the conference was the importance of forming the laity and those in initial and ongoing formation in the synodal way. Cardinal Radcliffe reminded participants that “synodality is the unending journey into the mystery of the infinite love of the Trinity,” encouraging all to remain open to being questioned, challenged, and transformed by Scripture, culture, and one another.