Eleven delegates from the Dioceses of Clonfert, Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora joined over 300 delegates from across the country for the historic National Synodal Assembly of the Catholic Church in Ireland, held in Gormanston, Co. Meath, on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

The Assembly was an important moment in the Irish Church’s Synodal Pathway, bringing together lay people, priests, religious and bishops to reflect on the future of the Church in Ireland.

At the heart of the gathering was the question: “What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?”

Throughout the day, delegates listened to one another, shared their experiences and considered a wide range of proposals concerning the life and mission of the Church. There was a particular emphasis on how the Church can respond to the challenges of today while remaining faithful to its calling to proclaim the Gospel.

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, addressed delegates by video link from Rome. He encouraged those gathered to look to the future with hope and to remain open to what the Holy Spirit is asking of the Church.

He said:

“Do not measure the future of the Church simply by what is disappearing. Discern what the Holy Spirit is bringing to birth. Do not simply manage a diminishing ecclesial landscape. Re-position the Church for mission within it.”

The Assembly was another step in a process of listening and discernment that has involved parishes and dioceses throughout Ireland over the past number of years.

For the delegates from Clonfert, Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, it was an opportunity to contribute to this national conversation and to bring the experiences and hopes of their local Church to the wider gathering.

The work of the Assembly will help inform the next steps of the Synodal Pathway as the Church in Ireland continues to reflect on its life and mission in the years ahead.