A national consultation on synodal implementation concluded Thursday with a rallying call for delegates to “do the B.E.S.T.” as they bring the synodal journey’s fruits back to their dioceses and communities.
In his homily during the closing Mass, Bishop Herman Abcede of Daet drew inspiration from the post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and the Apostle Thomas, framing a four-part challenge: Believe, Enter, See, and Touch.
“Let us do the B-E-S-T. Believe. Enter. See. Touch,” he declared. “Those who do not believe, enter, see, and touch— will not reach the synodality we are journeying toward.”
Reflecting on the Gospel and the Church’s synodal path, he stressed the journey’s dual nature—both inward and outward—calling for deep interior conversion alongside renewed commitment to mission.
“We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said, acknowledging the progress and remaining challenges of the synodal process.
A Spirit-led path forward
The bishop reminded participants that the Holy Spirit remains the Church’s guide, even through uncertainty and disruption.
“The Holy Spirit is the one who is going to work for all of us,” he said. “With God’s grace, we hope to carry out the recommendations and proposals, contextualizing them in our respective pastoral settings… down to the level of the BECs and families.”
4 steps to synodality
In a creative reinterpretation of Jesus’ words to Thomas, Abcede outlined an action-oriented framework for the Church’s mission:
- Believe – Even amid uncertainty, the bishop encouraged trust in the synodal process. “Do not be unbelieving, but believe,” he quoted Jesus, adding, “Those who do not believe will not reach synodality.”
- Enter – Immerse oneself in the lives of others, especially those on the margins. “Those who do not enter the world of others will not reach synodality.”
- See – Recognize Christ in the wounded and participate in healing and service. “Those who do not look and participate will not reach synodality.”
- Touch – Personally engage in the Church’s mission and become true collaborators in proclaiming God’s love.”Those who do not hold on to the Lord as His coworkers will not reach synodality.”
Challenge, hope
Abcede also shared his personal journey from skepticism to advocacy of synodality.
“Even I myself, before I became bishop, I did not believe [in] synodality. But when I entered into it and understood it, I became a promoter—not because I was ordained bishop, but because it is what the Church (needs today).”
He made a prayerful challenge: to continue walking together as “co-responsibles” in mission, grounded in love, discernment, and shared responsibility.
“No matter how long the procession, we will eventually reach the synodality that we desire as our destination. As long as we remain united, helping one another, and moving forward in mission. Let’s do the best,” Abcede said.
About 180 delegates attended the three-day consultation composed of bishops, priests, consecrated persons and laypeople from all dioceses across the country.
The national meeting followed a series of regional synodal consultations aiming to craft a national framework for a synodal program on synodal transformation.
