Richmond priest receives invitation to religious conference and meets pope

Three hundred parish priests from around the world are set to gather in Rome at the end of the month for a religious conference known as a synod. Among the attendees is Father Pierre Ducharme from Richmond’s St. Joseph the Worker Church, who is one of three Canadian delegates selected to participate in the four-day event near Rome.

The synod will focus on the voices of parish priests and the implementation of synodality, which involves listening to individual voices within the church community. Father Ducharme expressed his excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the discernment of the church on a global scale.

The gathering will include roundtable discussions, liturgical celebrations, workshops on pastoral proposals, and more. Father Ducharme emphasized the importance of bringing his experience of synodality at the local level to the discussions, highlighting the positive impact of St. Joseph the Worker parish in Richmond.

At the conclusion of the synod, on May 2, the priests will have the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis. Father Ducharme expressed his admiration for the Pope and his hope that the discussions and contributions made during the synod will lead to a more welcoming and hospitable church.

The participation of Father Ducharme and the other Canadian delegates is a testament to the meaningful work they have done in their communities around the concept of synodality. The gathering in Rome represents a unique opportunity for these priests to come together, share their experiences, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue within the Catholic Church.