The word “synodality” has become familiar across the Church. It gets talked about in different contexts – and often with different views about what the word actually means. Beyond the theory, however, many are asking how synodality can be put into practice; discernment in common is emerging as key. In fact, over the last number of years there has been a growing demand for people who can facilitate discernment in common processes. To attend this need, Father General Arturo Sosa is launching a three-year process to form people who can facilitate such discernments.

“This project to form facilitators for Discernment processes is part of our Jesuit contribution to synodality”, said Fr Sosa. “It is an initiative rooted in Vatican II and in a vision for a synodal church, a humble church and a pilgrim church. That vision sees all of us going forward together bringing reconciliation and justice to a wounded world. It’s the vision of the Beatitudes: a world where the poor, the merciful, the peacemakers and those who search for justice are blessed. Our societies need a conversion to a sincere and intentional listening, always seeking the deepest truth, ready to let go of prejudices and opinions, always seeking where God’s Spirit is leading. This is counter-cultural in an age when discourse has become polarized, where people label each other without really listening.”

The first stage of “Ignite the Way” begins now with meeting of people who already lead discernment processes and who have facilitation experience. This is taking place in Salamanca Spain from 23 November to 3 December 2025. The meeting gives participants a chance to share their expertise and ways of proceeding, considering successes as well as difficulties in discernment processes and learning how to go forward. They gather to identify key elements of a core curriculum for the future training of facilitators of discernment. They will also examine a variety of case studies: discernment in common with young people, essential skills in facilitating diocesan Synods, how to help religious congregations to identify priorities for the future. After the meeting, they’ll be sent out on mission to train other facilitators back in their home Provinces, dioceses, and organisations.

“I see this as a contribution the Society of Jesus can make to the Church today”, says Fr Joseph Cardozo, a Jesuit from Goa, who’s assisting with the project. “Ever since the Council of Jerusalem in the early days of the Church (Acts chapter 15) discernment in common has been the way for people to discern together where the Spirit is leading, always under the competent decision taker. For Ignatius Loyola, discernment was a core part of his spirituality and his way of proceeding. Through this meeting, we are taking part, in a humble way, in this long line of history.”

Hosted by the Spanish Province, almost 100 people are now gathered in the Jesuit Spirituality Centre in Salamanca. The program has been christened “Ignite the Way” emphasising that the Holy Spirit is the one who leads.

“The participants at the meeting include a mix of Jesuits, diocesan priests, lay people, and religious women”, says meeting organiser Fr John Dardis. “Everyone has been missioned by their congregation, Province or organization. It has been so consoling to discover such a range of people across the world who are already doing this work with generosity and spiritual sensitivity. This meeting will allow them to learn from each other and grow in understanding of different cultures and contexts. We hope that, enriched by the experience, each person will go back to his or her culture with new ideas and make a difference in the Church and in the world.”

A comprehensive set of resources is being developed; you can find some initial materials at www.discernmentandplanning.org. If you want to know more about this initiative or to deepen your skills in the facilitation of discernment processes, contact the Jesuits in your local area. From them you will get news about programs in 2026.

Please keep these 100 participants in your prayers throughout the week so that they may be attentive to the movements of the Spirit and the experience of each other.