‘Mercy is the soul of synodality,’ new bishop tells Church leaders

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From the Website of CBCP

links: : https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/mercy-is-the-soul-of-synodality-new-bishop-tells-church-leaders/

LOBOC, Bohol— A Catholic bishop on Friday issued a call for mercy, urging fellow Church leaders not to trade compassion for control amid growing religious and cultural polarization.

Speaking during Mass at the historic Loboc Church in Bohol province, Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of Balanga warned against the temptation for bishops to act more as administrators than as pastors.

“There is a real danger, even today, that bishops — like the Pharisees — might sacrifice mercy at the altar of rigidity or image management,” Sescon said.

The 53-year-old prelate, newly installed to his post, acknowledged his inexperience but spoke candidly about the urgent need for Church leaders to lead with humility, presence, and healing — not just with plans or decrees.

He cautioned against a defensive or bureaucratic mindset amid challenges such as scandals, polarization, and internal fragmentation.

“We can offer impressive liturgies and altars, buildings and plans but fail to listen to the wounded,” he said. “Sacrifice without mercy is what led Israel astray. And it is what led religious leaders to reject Christ himself.”

Sescon called on bishops to prioritize mercy in both ministry and mission, stressing that a truly pastoral Church must listen more than command, correct without crushing, and welcome rather than exclude.

“Our ministry to each other and mission to the world are meant to make us more merciful,” he said. “Mercy is the fuel and soul of synodality.”

The Mass was celebrated on the eve of the bishops’ plenary assembly, which will take place July 5–7 in the Diocese of Talibon.

The gathering follows a three-day national retreat and consultation on synodal implementation, held July 1–3 in the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

Echoing Pope Francis’ call for a more synodal Church, Sescon described synodality not just as a method but as a way of being: walking with the people — ahead to lead, in the midst to listen, and behind to support.

“Now, I understand why synodality and mercy are hallmarks of Pope Francis’ papacy,” the bishop added. “They actually come together. And If I may say, mercy is both the precondition and fruit of a synodal church.” “Mercy is the fuel and soul of synodality,” he also said. “The Church becomes synodal and merciful by listening more than commanding, by correcting without crushing, by welcoming rather than excluding, by healing rather than merely judging.”