Inaugural gathering of delegates for Synod 2016

Some 350 delegates drawn from all areas of Catholic faith in Limerick who have stepped forward for selection for the Synod attended the first event in preparation for the Synod itself at Mary Immaculate College on Saturday 15th November.

The Limerick Diocesan Synod and the 18month build-up to it can lead to re-founding of the diocese, a leading US based professor of theology has informed the first gathering in preparation for the spring 2016 event.

Some 350 delegates drawn from all areas of Catholic faith in Limerick who have stepped forward for selection for the Synod attended the first event in preparation for the Synod itself at Mary Immaculate College on Saturday.



The Synod – the first in Ireland in 50 years and first in the diocese in 70 years - will be preceded by an 18th month period of reflection and listening that commenced on Saturday and will be officially launched at a special Mass on Sunday, December 7th in St. John’s Cathedral.

The delegates that came together for Saturday’s gathering and will remain on the synod journey right through to the synod itself in 2016 are drawn from 60 parishes and 25 other groups, range in age from those in their late teens to people in their ‘80s and are drawn from all sectors of society from politicians to doctors, people drawn from various ethnic backgrounds right through to the unemployed and students.

Reflecting on Saturday’s first gathering of Synod delegates, Bishop Brendan Leahy said, “This was the first coming together for the delegates and there was definitely a real sense of energy and enthusiasm about the role of the diocese going forward and how we can look at the obvious challenges we face not as hurdles but platforms for positive change.”

Said Fr. Éamonn Fitzgibbon, Episcopal Vicar, as Director of the Synod Fr Eamon Fitzgibbon, “We have had a really engaging and energizing start for the Synod process. Fr. Philibert delivered a captivating address and there was much more food for thought in the various workshops. Ultimately, there is huge goodwill for the Diocese and an appetite for the positive change that we are going to effect. We are now all eagerly looking forward to the Synod launch on December 7th.”