Melbourne: The Archdiocese of Melbourne has formally begun preparations for an Archdiocesan Synod to be held in 2026, marking what Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli has described as a significant milestone in the life and future direction of the local Church.
In a pastoral letter addressed to the faithful, Archbishop Comensoli said the Synod will centre on three foundational themes: young discipleship, missionary leadership, and formation and participation within the Church. He described the upcoming gathering as an important opportunity for prayerful discernment and collective reflection on how the Archdiocese is called to respond to the challenges and hopes of the present time.
Reflecting on the recently observed Jubilee Year of Hope, the Archbishop said it has been a period rich in grace and listening. Throughout the year, he has met with clergy and lay leaders across the Archdiocese, engaging in dialogue and discernment about the possibility of convening a Synod. From this process of prayer and reflection, he announced that preparations for a 2026 Synod are now underway.
Archbishop Comensoli explained that the decision is part of a broader and ongoing journey of synodal renewal within the Church in Australia and globally. He pointed to the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, held between 2021 and 2022, which emerged from a nationwide process of consultation, listening, and spiritual discernment. He also highlighted Australia’s participation in the global Synod on Synodality from 2021 to 2024, which invited the Church worldwide to reflect on how it lives communion, encourages participation, and carries out Christ’s mission.
Expressing gratitude, the Archbishop thanked the many people across the Archdiocese who contributed to these consultative processes. He noted that their insights reflected a deep faith in Christ, genuine love for the Church, and a hopeful vision for the future.
Archbishop Comensoli emphasized that the Church is being called to a renewed way of “walking together,” known as synodality. Rooted in baptism, this approach invites every member of the Church lay, religious, and ordained to listen attentively to the Holy Spirit and to one another in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility.
The preparations for the Melbourne Synod will be guided by the Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod 2025–2028, a framework released and endorsed earlier this year by Pope Leo XIV. This document will help shape the structure, priorities, and discernment process of the Archdiocesan Synod.
Auxiliary Bishop Rene Ramirez RCJ has been appointed to assist Archbishop Comensoli in leading the Synod process across the Archdiocese. Cathy Jenkins will serve as the Synod program lead, coordinating planning and engagement efforts.
Further details about the Synod are expected to be released in early 2026. Preparatory steps will include the establishment of a Synod Commission, which will play a key role in exploring and developing the three core themes as the Archdiocese prepares to gather in prayerful discernment and dialogue.