Columban missionary priest, Fr Frank Hoare spoke on formation for mission – a key issue that emerged from the churches of Oceania for the Synod on Synodality’s consultation phases and also one of the three central tenets of the Synod. 

He saw, through the publication of the Synod’s working document for the continental stage, Enlarge the Space of Your Tent, that the focus is on mission.

“It emphasises listening, welcome, inclusion. No one is to be excluded,” Fr Hoare said.

“The tent is the space of communion, the place of participation and the foundation for a mission.”

Fr Hoare said an emerging challenge to mission in Oceania is the shortage of priests, or at least the shortage of local priests, calling it a “silent earthquake”.

He said some people look to blame globalisation, consumerism, secularisation, radical individualism, moral relativity, the media or other things for that predicament, but “the Church's own sins and weaknesses also contribute to this silent earthquake”.

Fr Hoare proposed that “a new era of Christian mission will be grounded on a return to the Gospel message” and a simplification of some of the Church’s structures.

“The Holy Spirit is the instigator of the mission and helps us to recognise the signs of the times,” Fr Hoare said.

Tuesday’s (7 February 2023)  program concluded with an inculturated Fijian Itaukei Mass at a local parish, followed by a cultural performance of song and dance.

The assembly runs until the evening of Friday, February 10.