The focus of the first part of the Bulletin is on Synodality and Mission Renewal

The journey of renewal in religious and missionary life is championed in the papers from the Residential Seminar. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s Opening Address explores synodality (“walking together”) and the re-envisioning of mission, framing them as intertwined paths to renewal. He intends to "stir your hearts and imagination" with the core message that while all are called to be missionary disciples, Missionary Institutes hold a unique call to witness to mission in discipleship. In her article, “Consolata Missionary Sisters and Synodality”, Joan Agnes describes the Consolata Missionary Sisters as embodying synodality through their charism of mission and holiness; their synodal journey is rooted in a Eucharistic life, a preferential option for the poor and "forgotten" peripheries, and a spirituality of listening and discernment. Antonio Porcellato, SMA, in “Istituti Missionari e Sinodalita – Carisma, Profezia e Testimonianza,” reflects on his fifty-year experience, stressing the importance of deep collaboration with the laity and authentic relationships within his now predominantly African Society; he acknowledges the laity’s desire to share the missionary charism and the challenges of formalizing their commitment globally. Donatella Acerbi’s article, “Associazione Famiglie Carismatiche in Dialogo,” highlights the Association’s work in fostering co-responsibility and communion between consecrated and lay members, uniting diverse vocations around a shared charism for mission.

The Closing Address of the SEDOS President reports that the Residential Seminar was a transformative synodal journey, bringing 70 participants from 32 nations/institutes together, who are now returning as “seeds of synodality in mission.”

Gisela Schreyer, MSOLA, explains in “Synodality: Walking Together in the Spirit” that synodality uses “Conversation in the Spirit” for communion and discernment, calling all faithful—especially missionaries and communicators—to be pilgrims of disarming hope and build community.

The Second part of the Bulletin presents a Shift from Ad Gentes to Inter Gentes

The Autumn Seminar’s articles explore the evolving understanding of mission. The seminar began with an Opening Address by the President providing an orientation to the theme, “From Ad gentes to Inter gentes.” Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu’s presentation, “From Ad Gentes to Inter Gentes,” summarizes the missionary vocation in three dimensions: Remembering the Past (Ad Gentes), Reinterpreting Mission Today (Synodality and Inter Gentes), and Reimagining the Church (as the New Tribe). He emphasizes that the Church is mission, urging a shift from a colonial to a participatory mind-set renewed by gratitude, openness, and hope.

Paolo Trianni, in “La missione tra continuità e innovazione,” argues that the Church’s mission requires both continuity (announcing Christ) and essential innovation. This innovation involves addressing new theological developments (e.g., focus on the Kingdom, social justice, and integral ecology) and challenging contexts (globalization, war, pluralism), demanding listening, dialogue, and effective pastoral methods.

Finally, Gloria Liliana Franco Echeverri, ODN, in “De Ad Gentes a Inter Gentes: Celebrando el 60º Aniversario de Ad Gentes,” emphasizes that mission flows from a deep, compassionate spirituality (sentipensar).

She focuses on the shift from missio ad gentes to missio inter gentes, which centers on dialogue, encounter, and co-responsibility among peoples and cultures to pursue the Kingdom. The issue concludes with the Closing Remarks by Márcio Flávio Martins, CICM, offering thanks to all participants and organizers.

We trust you will find these articles enlightening and inspiring. We hope that through these contributions, our readers will participate even more fully in mission with renewed understanding and enthusiasm.

Dr. John Paul Herman, SVD