Representation at Pre Synodal Meeting for Young People in Rome

29 April 2018 (Abu Dhabi).

Representing the catholics in the Arabian Gulf, Ms. Caroline Kate Montefrio from the parish of St. Mary's Dubai participated in the Pre-Synodal Meeting held in Rome from 19-25 March. The purpose of the Pre-Synodal Meeting was to provide the opportunity for young people to produce a document, which expresses their view on the state of things, their ideas, their feelings and their recommendations, to be presented to the Synodal Fathers, who will meet in October 2018 to treat the topic: Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.

Caroline joined over 300 young people from all over the world, both Christians and non-Christians, who were asked by Pope Francis to come together and talk openly about their experiences, concerns, hopes and expectations from a Church that is willing to listen. 

The meeting also gave an opportunity for young people the world over to be involved by means of social networks to make their voices heard so that the fruits of the Pre-Synodal Meeting will best express the ideas of young people throughout the world.

Here is Caroline's experience in her own words:

"The Pre-Synodal meeting was in a nutshell an opportunity for youth and young adults globally (plus online) to contribute to a document (Instrumentum Laboris) that would assist the Bishops in their upcoming Synod this October 2018. 

Personally what made this pre synod meeting significant was that for the first time I got to see a hierarchal church that was ready to listen to the youth and allowed us to be the protagonists in this process. Whenever we had priests, bishops, nuns or other youth delegates - everyone in their language groups gave each other space to talk and explain the realities of their respective countries/religions. I had the opportunity to represent AVOSA (Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia) and for some reason I was sharing a room with two non-Christian sisters who also participated in the discussions. It was affirming to see a church that was not exclusive but relational and that focused on the ‘common good’ - and that we had the platform to experience this first hand. 

What I enjoyed mostly was the simple interactions between the members of the clergy/ bishops/ priests/ nuns outside of the official sessions - during lunch or dinner or in the bus, or while waiting in the lobby. It was interesting to know that Bishops were real people who we could hold a conversation with. I do remember asking Cardinal Baldisseri one night to play the piano for us during our entertainment night however he remarked saying that he needed a real piano because the electric organ would not do justice! There was also one evening where some of the delegates even had a football sessions with some of the priests who were serving at the synod. I also had conversations with sisters who explained their journey towards the convent and that they had relationships before making a decision. As a young person the time taken to just accompany and listen was even more meaningful. It was like Jesus accompanying during the Emmaus walk.

Having participated in previous discussions regarding the presynod, it was also good to note that the organizers had allotted more time for group discussions rather than ‘lecture’ type sessions in allowing more space for the youth to speak and be heard, and that on the sides we had priests and religious taking down notes observing sentiments whenever a young person would note something in the document that needed further emphasis/criticism.

As a whole, more than the actual document itself what I appreciated was the efforts in the process behind it. The synod team did not only take into account the 300 young people who were present but opened online platforms for those not present to also have a say as well. I believe that further down the line the processes could have been improved but as an attempt of the Vatican to reach out to the youth I do personally commend the initial steps. Perhaps a further review or evaluation of this process could be done in order to improve communication/marketing strategies amongst the youth once the synod is concluded. 

Certain points that touched me in the week: 

• Pope Francis had 4 hours with us on the first day where he encouraged us young people to “Say what you think. With courage. We have to go forward.” He also reminded us that we often forget the capacity of crying and to be vulnerable as well. We must be brave to undertake new paths even tho there are risks involved. Man or woman that does not take risks cannot be a mature human being - without taking risks you know what happens to a young person? They become old! :)) Also the church becomes old with these youths not taking risks. We need a youth that is renewed from inside. 
• Without roots we cannot stand up - go forward but always be conscious of our roots. This is something in the consciousness but all our roots are the old ones - This this culture of rejection should be avoided. Old people should not be rejected, they have a lot to share. Young people and old people can have dreams. Young people can be prophets with the elderly’s dreams. 

“And afterwards I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your songs an daughters will prophesy you old men will dream dreams and your young men will see visions (Joel 3:1)”

Resources:
Here is a link to the final document produced by the participants of the meeting.