“We are a pilgrim people on this journey together”

Archbishop Coakley opens synod in archdiocese


OKLAHOMA CITY – Archbishop Coakley celebrated the Synod Opening Mass Oct. 24 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to launch the diocesan phase of the synodal process called for by Pope Francis.

The synod titled, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” calls on every diocese throughout the world to undergo a process of gathering information and feedback on how the faithful journey together as a Church. 

“The word synod itself is significant for what this process is about. … It comes from a Greek word that means to journey together,” Archbishop Coakley said during his homily.

“In fact, it is such a rich theological term that in the earliest days even in terms of the Acts of the Apostles, the Church was often referred to as The Way, the journey. We are a pilgrim people on this journey together, our pilgrim way to the fullness of God’s kingdom.”

The synodal process in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will include multiple opportunities in-person and online to discuss issues affecting the universal Church and the local Church. Feedback from the meetings and online survey will be collected and a 10-page summary provided to the Vatican.

“The Holy Father has asked us to carry out this journey, making sure that we hear from as many people as we possibly can, paying particular attention to those who are along the side of the road who are not yet part of the journey to encounter them and to invite them to participate,” Archbishop Coakley said. 

“It’s in the communion of the Church, the coming together as one people of God, knowing that the Lord is speaking to the world through the voices of all his people that we encourage the participation of as many as possible so that we can be empowered and invigorated to fulfill our mission as God’s people in the world. To be light for the world; to be salt for the earth.”

The synod process will culminate in a worldwide meeting of bishops in Rome in 2024. 

Diane Clay is editor of the Sooner Catholic. 


Coming soon: information, meeting dates and survey link at archokc.org/synod