Toward a Trinitarian Ontology of Synodality

Conscience, Spirituality, and Practice in the People of God

Abstract

Synodality is a theme that has shaped history, tradition and ecclesial praxis. It is present, even if not directly, in the Second Vatican Council, and has become even more pressing for the life and mission of today’s Church thanks to Pope Francis. Following the trinitarian ecclesiology of Vatican II, “Ecclesia de Trinitate” (LG 2–3), and the key of a Trinitarian ontology, the current article attempts to articulate a Trinitarian ontology of synodality. In this perspective, in order to promote a greater synodality in the People of God in today’s Church, it will be necessary to identify three interdependent levels of commitment: on the theological level, a synodal awareness; on the spiritual level, a synodal spirituality; on the pastoral level, a synodal praxis.