Twenty-two people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences gathered at the Asewa Otono Formation Center to participate in a session of the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) of the Diocese of Paramaribo. This diversity reflects the human and cultural richness of Suriname, which finds in the Church a privileged space for encounter, discernment, and community building.
The day was marked by a profound reflection on the Final Document of the Synod and by the practice of the Conversation in the Spirit methodology, a tool that continues to establish itself as a path of mutual listening and communal discernment within the Church.
The introductory session was facilitated by Geert De Cubber, who guided the participants in a reflection on the mission, purpose, and procedures of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Beyond the content, what stood out was the willingness of the attendees to listen attentively, share sincerely, and welcome the voices of others in an authentic synodal spirit.
The experience allowed us to see, once again, how the Church’s call to “walk together” continues to find a concrete response in local communities. During the dialogue, participants shared not only ideas and proposals, but also what had moved them, the reflections that emerged in silence, and the spiritual fruits born of deep listening.
At the end of the conversation, each person expressed what they had received from the gathering: words that inspired, experiences that touched the heart, and new perspectives to strengthen the pastoral life of the diocese. This sharing of fruits made it clear that synodality is not merely a working method, but a way of being Church based on communion, participation, and shared mission.
The day concluded under the intense tropical sun of Paramaribo, reminding us that, even amid diverse realities and daily challenges, the Spirit continues to bring together men and women committed to building vibrant, open, and co-responsible communities.
The experience of the Diocesan Pastoral Council of Paramaribo joins the many efforts underway in the Amazonian and Caribbean regions to bring about a more participatory Church, where every voice is heard and every person finds a place on the common journey of the People of God.