The Archdiocese of Porto Velho held its 29th Pastoral Assembly in the parish of St. Francis of Assisi, a space for prayer, listening, and discernment inspired by the synodal path that Pope Francis has proposed to the whole Church. Under the theme “Perspectives and renewal of communities: towards a synodal archdiocesan Church,” the assembly sought to strengthen a Church that is closer to the people, more participatory, and truly missionary.
The biblical motto — “The wind blows where it wills, and you hear its voice” (Jn 3:8) — accompanied the reflections led by theologian Dr. Celso Pinto Carias, who guided the formation on the spirit of a synodal Church, capable of walking together, discerning its decisions together, and renewing itself in the service of the Gospel.
Three keys to ecclesial renewal
Dr. Carias presented three fundamental perspectives for the pastoral journey of the Archdiocese:
- A poor Church, with the poor and for them.
He recalled that Jesus Christ became poor and remains present in those who suffer. He invited communities to bear witness to evangelical poverty, detachment, and solidarity, overcoming the culture of waste and promoting a spirituality of sharing.
- Ministry as service and communion.
Inspired by the Second Vatican Council, he emphasized that ministries are not spaces of power, but of service. He underscored the need to overcome clericalism, promote the real participation of all the People of God, and recover the richness of a Church where every baptized person is co-responsible for the mission.
- Synodality as a civilizational call.
In the face of current social and cultural crises, synodality presents itself as a path of transformation. The Church, Dr. Carias pointed out, is not a museum to be preserved, but a people moving forward. Therefore, communities are called to be signs of unity, openness, and the common good, overcoming the logic of isolation and exclusion.
A path that renews the mission
The Assembly defined a roadmap toward a synodal conversion that involves:
- Identifying ecclesial life more deeply with the Gospel.
- Strengthening community witness and the spirit of service.
- Promoting the effective participation of all the faithful.
- Building a Church that, from the Amazon, is prophetic and committed to life.
With hope and determination, the Archdiocese of Porto Velho reaffirms its commitment to walk alongside communities, discern together, and strengthen a Church that listens, serves, and joyfully proclaims the Gospel in the Amazonian territories.
