100 parishioners from the Catholic Parish of Whanganui gathered for afternoon tea on Sunday, 16th June 2024, and for a slideshow presentation by Fr. Craig Butler about his experiences participating in the Synod on Synodality and other touristy adventures.
Held in Rome from 28th April to 2nd May, he stayed with Fr. Robin Kurian I.C., who ministered in St Mary’s Parish, Palmerston North, before being appointed to the Rosminian headquarters in Rome.
This international event brought together 300 parish priests from 100 countries to engage in roundtable discussions, liturgical celebrations, workshops on pastoral proposals, dialogue with experts, and meetings with Pope Francis.
The purpose was to hear from ‘ordinary’ priests over these 12-14 hour days, discussing their involvement in Synodality in action and other issues facing the church at the parish level.
His group included priests from Ukraine, Tanzania, Malta, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Africa, and Taiwan. The shared experiences of walking with people on their life journeys were diverse.
“All up, I found it a very humbling experience, meeting with others who share the same joys and sorrows that we do. Most humbling was listening to priests from Ukraine, Iraq, and central Africa and how they suffer from violence,” wrote Fr. Craig in the parish newsletter.
This information will now be prepared to be included in the final working document in readiness for the Synod meeting in October this year in Rome.
Before leaving Rome, he met a priest from Myanmar who knew very well: Father Joe Tha Khu, who had served with Fr. Craig in Hawera. For the last 6 months, nothing was heard from Fr. Joe, and because of the military rule in his country, there were fears for his safety. With much relief, he learnt that he was safe and well.
“This was a miracle,” said Fr. Craig.
What wasn’t planned was getting sick for 3 days after the conference. It was a disappointment to cancel the trip to the home of St. Francis in Assisi and to Lyons, where Suzanne Aubert and Bishop Pompallier came from.
Going to Lourdes for 3 days for a mini-retreat, he brought parishioners’ prayer petitions for healing. Ireland was next on the agenda, where he visited Fr. Wally Cook, who served in the Palmerston North Diocese. The Cavern in Liverpool, where the Beatles began their musical career, was the final must-see before his long-haul flight home.
Fr Craig sharing details of his trip with Whanganui parishioners. Photo: Sue Seconi