Synodality is not a theory, but a living force for mission

The International Conference and the 9th Ordinary Assembly of the International Catholic Action Forum (FIAC) have opened in Rome, scheduled to take place from 15 to 18 October 2026.

During the proceedings of the congress, entitled “Catholic Action: Synodality and Mission”, a Message sent by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, was read out. In his message, read during the opening session, the Prefect wished to share some reflections that emerged from the annual meeting with all the Moderators of the international associations of the faithful recognised by the Holy See, which took place in the spring of this year.

Synodality as communion in motion

Synodality, explains Farrell, “is another way of saying ‘communion’ and, in particular, emphasises the ‘dynamic’ aspect of ecclesial communion”. “It is a communion that is ‘being formed’ together”, a dimension that is built day by day through listening, dialogue and common discernment. In this regard, the Prefect referred to the legacy of the Second Vatican Council, recalling the importance of valuing the dignity and shared responsibility of all the baptised within the Church.

The experience of association as a “leaven”

A further reflection offered to participants in the message concerns the specific contribution of associations, and of Catholic Action in particular, to fostering a synodal spirit within the Church. “You, like many other associations, are in the habit of meeting regularly in small groups, rediscovering the communal and fraternal dimension of the Church, with the opportunity to recognise one another on a personal level. For you, therefore, it is natural to exchange views, plan apostolic activities together, divide up the tasks of the mission amongst yourselves, and also carry out a joint review to assess the fruits of your labour.” This wealth of experience, therefore, is to be shared with the Church so as to be a “leaven of synodality” within the broader ecclesial contexts, from parishes to dioceses and on to national and continental levels.

Avoiding the risk of self-referentiality

The final point raised in the message concerns the indissoluble link between synodality and mission. Walking together makes sense if it is directed towards evangelisation and going “to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) as Jesus told us”, concludes the Prefect of the Dicastery, “so that we may reach those of our brothers and sisters who await the consoling light of the Gospel. This focus on mission remains a constant challenge, for personal comfort, a quiet life, conformity to the world’s mindset, fear, resignation, and the habit of doing things as they have always been done may prevail. All this stifles missionary zeal and, in the long run, reduces synodality to a matter of structures, organisations and meetings, without any regard for the reality outside the Church, for the ‘world’ to be evangelised and saved to which the Lord Jesus calls us".

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FIAC is an international organisation recognised by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, comprising associations – known as Catholic Action or by other names – established at national level.

Born out of an insight during the 1987 Synod and encouraged by the then President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Eduardo F. Pironio (now Blessed), FIAC currently comprises 26 member countries and around thirty observer countries.

National representatives from member and observer countries, together with numerous bishops and assistants, are gathered in Rome at TH Roma / Domus Mariae from 15 to 18 October 2026 for the International Conference on the theme “Catholic Action: Synodality and Mission”.

The conference will also include the 9th Ordinary Assembly of the FIAC, during which the countries comprising the Secretariat for the four-year period 2026–2030 will be elected.

The event will conclude on Sunday 18 October with participation in the 100th World Mission Day, on the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV: “One in Christ, united in mission”.