The Regional Assemblies of the continental phase of the 2021-2024 Synod concluded with the Assembly of the Southern Cone, held in Brasilia in March 2023. Here we share some reflections on this “journey” from members of the Focolare Movement who participated in the concluding Assembly.     “From the moment I heard that I had been elected to participate, I felt a great joy but also the  responsibility  to be a true channel through which the Holy Spirit can pass.” This is what Mercedes Isola, a volunteer of the Focolare Movement, said.  She was elected by the Bishops in the region of La Plata, Argentina, to be a lay participant in the Continental Assembly for the Synod of the Southern Cone that took place in Brasilia, Brazil, at the headquarters of the CNBB (National Conference of Bishops of Brazil). Mercedes continues, “There was  very deep sharing among us and we rediscovered our baptismal dignity that makes us all sisters and brothers, people of God, co-responsible in  mission, regardless of vocation. The ‘discernment communities’, made up of people from different experiences and vocations, were a confirmation of this reality: the Holy Spirit is at work in everyone, without distinction.” The meeting was attended by more than 200 people.  It began with a procession of images of the Virgin Mary, patroness of each country, to whom the work of this Assembly was entrusted. Brazilians, Chileans, Uruguayans, Argentinians and Paraguayans were brought together. It was apparent that amid the diversity of each people,  the individual in dialogue with  others becomes a builder of true synodality. “Being open to a Church with greater lay participation, a Church that is inclusive, transparent, and consistent in following Jesus and is concrete in its service and mission,” are just some of the points that were addressed and deepened during the Assembly. Eliane de Carli, a married focolarina from Brazil, tells us. “This experience based upon a practice known as ‘spiritual conversion’, ensured there was  very deep communion in the working groups. In addition, the richness of this internationality allowed us to get to know the challenges of the Church in each country, some of them very similar.” A week of intense work  turned into a life experience. This can be seen in what Marise Braga, a Brazilian focolarina, said: “The day began with a short prayer led by each country in turn.   The group  drafted a final document on the basis of the questionnaires collected in the various countries during the local phase. They answered three questions, highlighting the lights and positive elements that emerged from those reports, highlighting the shadows, tensions and challenges of certain issues in each country, and finally, recognising the priorities to be addressed in the Synod.” The role of women in the Church was one of the recurring themes during this Continental Assembly in the Southern Cone.  This is an issue that is gaining importance and, along with engagement with young people, needs to be addressed. “Before the concluding Mass of this synodal phase, the young people asked to speak,” said Mercedes Isola. “It was very powerful to hear from them why their friends are no longer in the Church. The young people themselves asked for greater openness, a Church that allows all God’s people to be protagonists, with open doors as Pope Francis says.” Father Pedro Brassesco, Assistant Secretary of CELAM (Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council) said that these needs unite all the continents and will push us to “learn a new way of being Church.” “The Church has called us together and is listening to us,” Marise concluded, ‘not only the Bishops, but all the people of God. We often need to invert the pyramid to know what is at the bottom, but patience is needed to see the fruits of this work. Perhaps our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will enjoy it. We are now planting a seed, but we must have hope. It is a first step, towards a Church that is closer to us all.”

 Maria Grazia Berretta