Revisits Frameworks Guiding Synodal Journey
The clergy and lay members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council gathered on October 27–28, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Parish in San Fernando, Camarines Sur, for the Diocesan Synodal Pastoral Planning in preparation for the third year of implementing the Diocese of Libmanan’s Five-Dimensional Pastoral Program, characterized as “A Mission of Shepherding,” inspired by Jesus’ instruction to Peter, “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15-17).
To ground the planning process, the assembly revisited two major guides for the synodal journey. First, participants reviewed the National Process Framework, clarifying its four movements to ensure a common and deeper understanding:
- Tinig-Tawag – listening to all and clarifying the call
- Tawid-Tanaw – undergoing conversion and setting the goals
- Tapak-Tindig – creating impact and renewing commitment
- Tipan – returning to the covenant with God
Second, the group considered the Metropolitan Province of Caceres’ reclassification of the characteristics of a synodal Church. A synodal Church is described as:
- A listening and discerning Church (communion)
- A Church that shares responsibility (participation)
- A Church that proclaims Christ to the world (mission)
These characteristics, the assembly noted, must be visibly expressed and concretely lived out in the Church’s three traditional munera: teaching, sanctifying, and governing. Both frameworks provided essential lenses for the group’s deliberations and decision-making.
With these guiding principles, the participants crafted proposed activities for 2026, covering a wide range of diocesan commissions: Catechesis and Faith Formation, Biblical Apostolate, Liturgy, Laity, Family & Life, Youth, Religious Organizations, Social Communications, Social Action, Safeguarding Commission, Finance, Church Properties, Cultural Heritage, Vocation, and Administration.
Proposals addressing the needs of the clergy, religious communities, and the seminary were likewise presented, ensuring the inclusion of all sectors of the local Church.
The two-day planning reinforced the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to journeying together—listening, discerning, sharing responsibility, and proclaiming Christ—while renewing its covenant with God and strengthening its mission in the world.
