On November 22nd and 23rd, the Diocese of Victoria hosted its annual Faith Days, gathering members of the diocese to reflect, connect, and grow in faith. Friday brought together pastoral centre staff, parish leaders, and educators, while Saturday welcomed participants from across the Island. Both days opened with Mass celebrated by Bishop Gary Gordon, incorporating a powerful land acknowledgment by members of the Cowichan First Nation, grounding the community in unity and respect.
In a beautiful departure from tradition, Bishop Gordon replaced the homily with eight minutes of silence—an introduction to the profound practice of listening that shaped both days.
A Synodal Journey of Listening and Inclusion
The keynote speaker, Linda Staudt, offered rich insights from her role as one of only seven laypeople from North America to vote in the 2021–2024 Synod on Synodality. Sharing her experiences from the 2023 and 2024 sessions, Linda highlighted one of the Synod's guiding inspirations: “Enlarge the space in your tent” (Is 54:2).
Breaking from historical norms, Pope Francis reimagined the Synod to include laypeople from across the globe, emphasizing the voices of women and young people, who have traditionally been underrepresented. Participants worked in small group discussions rather than theatre-style settings, fostering a spirit of fraternity and equality over hierarchy. As Linda explained, “Affective collegiality precedes effective collegiality.” Friendship and trust became the foundation for meaningful dialogue.
The Power of Silence
Silence emerged as a central theme in the Synod and the Faith Days alike. Reflecting on Psalm 64—“To you, silence is praise”—Linda invited participants to embrace the discomfort of silence as a tool for deep listening. In silence, we let go of preparing responses or passing judgments, creating space for authentic understanding and reflection.
This practice, known as “A Conversation in the Spirit,” shaped the structure of Faith Days. Participants sat at tables, often with unfamiliar faces, engaging in intentional silence and guided discussions.
Listening Circles in Action
The heart of the day was the Listening Circles, modelled after the Synod’s approach. Each group held eight people and explored three key questions:
- What stood out to you from Linda’s presentation?
- What is one story from your own faith and life that you would like to share?
- What is one question you have for Bishop Gary?
For each question, participants began with three minutes of silent reflection before speaking. The discussion followed a clockwise order, ensuring every voice was heard without interruptions, questions, or responses. After everyone shared, another three minutes of silence allowed for deeper reflection on what resonated most. A second round of sharing followed, focusing on what had touched each person’s heart.
This structure balanced the strengths and challenges of all participants: extroverts practiced the discipline of silent listening, while introverts were encouraged to speak up.
Building Connections and Community
Listening facilitators guided the process, ensuring that each voice was respected and that the group stayed on track. The goal of these conversations was to create a sense of equality and vulnerability, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine connection.
Each day concluded with prayers and the hymn, “You Have Anointed Me,” sending participants forth enriched, inspired, and encouraged to carry the practice of deep listening into their daily lives.
Carrying the Lessons Forward
The 2024 Faith Days reminded us that silence and listening are not just practices—they are acts of faith and love. As we reflect on the themes of inclusion, dialogue, and hope, may we carry this spirit into our daily lives, embracing the power of listening to one another and the wisdom of silence.
For key excerpts from the XVI Assembly’s Final Document and a guide to “A Conversation in the Spirit,” see the resources linked below. Together, let’s continue to walk together on this journey of faith, listening deeply and responding with hearts open to God’s call.
Diocese of Victoria’s Permanent Pastoral Synod
Our own Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod process will begin with the Fall Plenary on November 30 at St. Andrew's Cathedral. One Local Listening Facilitator from each parish will meet with the Bishop's Advisory Council and the Council of Priests to discern the questions that will be explored in this first Diocesan cycle.
All are welcome to attend Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Victoria on November 30 at 9:30 am, either in-person or via the livestream: https://youtube.com/live/LwCINLh34jI?feature=share
Final Document of the XVI Assembly (WILL LINK)
Key Excerpt: Understand Synod and Synodality (WILL LINK)
“A Conversation in the Spirit” Blueprint (WILL LINK)
Faith Days 2024: Listening in Silence and Sharing in Spirit
Written by The Office of the Chancery
The Chancery serves as the administrative office of the Bishop and the Diocese. We support and serve Catholic parishes, schools, and communities by providing essential services, resources, and ministries.
