Drawing on her experience in the work of the Synod of Bishops and in the Assemblies of the Synodal Journey of the Churches in Italy, Sr Yvonne outlined the Marian aspects of synodality, beginning with listening. “People from the four corners of the globe,” she said, “with great cultural and experiential differences, were able to listen to one another without prejudice.” An attitude that recalls Mary at the Annunciation and at the wedding at Cana: a gentle, silent, trusting and compassionate listening.

From listening springs discernment, the second great Marian and synodal trait. “The Church on its journey seeks God’s will above all in sharing,” she emphasised. Just as Mary, after the Annunciation, set out on her journey to Elizabeth, so the Church is called to move towards others. Authentic discernment, he added, grows through listening to all voices, even the most distant or uncomfortable ones: “The greater the difference, the richer the discernment.” Mutual trust and the awareness that God reveals himself in relationships are fundamental.

Finally, Mary is a model of shared responsibility. At the wedding at Cana, she involves the servants (“Whatever he tells you, do it”), just as Jesus involves the disciples in the distribution of the loaves. “We are the synodal Church,” stated Sr Yvonne, recalling that every baptised person is called to offer their own contribution.

The evening was also an opportunity to learn more about Sr Yvonne’s ecclesial service; she expressed gratitude for having had ‘the world as her home’ during her years of leadership. Particularly significant was her long experience in Central Africa, where she learnt the patience of listening and witnessed first-hand profound poverty but also an extraordinary capacity for joy and hospitality. A human and spiritual wealth which, she observed, must be safeguarded and valued.

Finally, Sr Yvonne pointed to the Salesian Family as one of the concrete signs of synodality in action: consecrated women, consecrated men and laypeople walking together in mission. “Synodality is demanding and does not produce immediate results,” she concluded, “but it is the path traced out by the Holy Spirit. With Mary’s help, we must walk it with trust and perseverance.”