The 26th Diocese of Toledo began its first year of work with a call for spiritual renewal initiated by Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chávez. He recalled: “The Synod is a blessing.” “We want this to be the new Pentecost. … Our Archdiocese of Toledo,” the Toledo prelate said at an event held in the infant school assembly hall.
In his speech, Cerro Chávez stressed that the synod aims to strengthen the internal life of the diocese. to further their evangelistic mission. “It’s about walking together, growing within, then serving outside, and above all, facing all that the challenges facing our Archdiocese of Toledo today mean,” he said.
Primates also addressed the challenges of evangelization in the current context. Cerro Chavez said, “Despite the difficulties we face in a deeply secularized world, deep down we all know how to proclaim Jesus Christ, which is often seen as the very enemy of the way the Gospel of Jesus Christ wants us to live.” From the beginning of his ministry, Cerro Chávez explained that he saw synods as spiritual opportunities to renew the life of the Church.
“That was obvious to me because it seemed to me to be an opportunity for a true church in a church that defines itself as a synod. I see this as a moment and opportunity for spiritual renewal.“It is about renewing our lives as we are meant to be: being faithful to what Jesus Christ is asking of us in this moment,” he stressed.
The new synod continues the long synodal tradition of the Church of Toledo. The Toledo Prelate also mentioned this, recalling: “Toledo is characterized by the presence of an archdiocese, and even a synod, and even a council representing the faith of all of Spain.«. “Toledo, as a Primate, has always been a reference thanks to its synod, and I am most grateful because it has always sought to put the Gospel into practice in complex and difficult situations,” he added.
The team responsible for coordinating the process
The team responsible for coordinating parish councils was also announced at the event. This is a group designated by the archbishop to accompany and organize the entire synod process.
In the front is Enrique del Alamo, Vicar of Laity, Family and Life.serves as Synod Representative, General Secretary, and Chairman of the Economic Committee. they will cooperate with him Francisco AparicioParish Priest of Unclair and Head of the Theological Committee. Jose Pablo ErnstParish Priest of Siluela, in charge of the Liturgy Committee and the Communication Committee. david sanchez The Parish Priest of San Juan de Ávila in Talavera de la Reina will be “united” to lead the legal commission. and angel manuel salazarparish priest of Quintanar of the order, will be installed on the pastoral committee.
The Synod will now begin its scheduled itinerary. Synodal groups existing in dioceses, movements and religious communities will begin their work using the materials provided by the Anglican delegation, in a process that combines reflection and prayer. During April and May, a synthesis of proposals will be prepared to be submitted to the General Secretariat.
Finally, The Synod General Assembly is scheduled to be held in late May or early June 2026.at which point the representatives will assess and decide on proposals aimed at renewing the mission of the parish church.
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