On January 1, 2026, still in the Holy Year, a pioneering group, composed of different branches of the Schoenstatt Movement, gathered in Belmonte at the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine. They placed themselves at the Mother of God’s disposal, with the initiative to found a “School for Synodality.”

The “School of Synodality” will be based in Belmonte. At the same time, the understanding of synodality will be transmitted and deepened through courses and conferences in local dioceses, making it accessible to all.

Several stages led to the formation of this group:

• In numerous meetings and conversations, the conviction grew that Belmonte, because of its mission, is a suitable place for formation in synodality and that now is the right time for it.

• Fr. Joseph Kentenich’s vision of the Church, outlined at the end of the Second Vatican Council, coincides in essential points with the image of the Church becoming synodal.

• Sixty years ago, on December 22, 1965, the founder of Schoenstatt, Father Kentenich, promised Pope Paul VI that his entire spiritual family would collaborate with all means to realize the post-conciliar mission of the Church.

• The World Synod on Synodality, initiated by Pope Francis, has deeply moved many hearts. It has become clear: something new is beginning here. A new image of the Church is taking shape in the power of the Holy Spirit. Everyone is called and invited to collaborate in the fulfillment of God’s desire for the third millennium of faith.

• Formation in the Theology of Synodality, including at the postgraduate level, as well as various experiences in conducting, living, and moderating a “dialogue in the Spirit,” have given rise to the desire to pass on this knowledge and these experiences as Good News.

• In pastoral work as well as in commissions, circles, and communities, synodality awakens the heart and encourages creative ways to share this call of the Holy Spirit with others and to build the Church of the new shores together.

• In a “Conversation in the Spirit” (online format Insieme-Gespräch) on November 26, 2025, the vision of founding a school of synodality in Belmonte had a strong impact.

The initiating group wishes to draw on the richness of these sources and currents and believes that it has been guided to take this step. They gathered all these experiences and symbolically initiated the creation of a school of synodality.

Consciously placing themselves at the disposal of the Blessed Mother, they all prayed:

“Mother of God, here we are.
Use us entirely as you plan for this place.
We place ourselves at your disposal to lay the foundation for a school of synodality.
Accept our actions, our talents, and our reflections:
– our founding manifesto;
– our program, which has already been tested in several places and transmitted with blessings;
– our allies here and elsewhere, who are connected to us today, both in person and online.
Show us the path we must follow now, so that the small plant may grow under your protection.
Send us the Holy Spirit, whom we urgently need, so that, as your instruments and beloved children of the Father, we may build this school for your joy, as a jubilee gift to Pope Leo XIV and as a sign of hope and fraternity.”

As an expression of their commitment and willingness to use all their strength, they signed the founding manifesto on parchment, as a lasting sign of the journey they have begun.

The vision of the School of Synodality is continually taking shape and developing on the basis of what is being worked out and assumed together, in the spirit of synodality.

Other important steps should also be recorded on this parchment.

As next steps, we would like to connect with other synodal movements, serve as points of contact, collect teaching and informational materials on synodality, and develop concepts for formation.

The steering group sees this project as a synodal and joint initiative and therefore invites everyone to participate. Those interested can register by email at school.of.synodality@gmail.com. If you wish, you can also sign up to receive a newsletter.

Holy Spirit, guide and accompany us!

Adsumus, Sancte Spiritus!

Dr. Alicja Kostka (Schoenstatt Women’s Federation)
Kuno Leibold (Family Federation)
Maria Haag (Girls’ Youth)
Maria Hagenmaier (Mothers’ League)
Matthias Koch (Schoenstatt Boys’ Youth)

Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías