Archbishop of Detroit Allen Vigneron recently expressed hopes that the current synod will unify the archdiocese as an instrument of peace.

During a recent homily for the Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of Pentecost, Vignerson also wished that every parish around the world would be true to "what the Holy Spirit has done during the synod."

"There is, in our life, a great thirst; everyone thirsts for eternal life," Vigneron said. "Everyone is born thirsting for meaning. Everyone is born thirsting for peace. Everyone is born thirsting to be loved and to be able to love. And the Holy Spirit is the only water that can quench that thirst."

The Conversation reports that on Oct. 10, 2021, Pope Francis announced a "synod on synodality," officially titled "Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church."

During the synod, bishops from throughout the world will interact with monks, nuns and parishioners in an effort to strengthen the church's openness and transparency.

In 2023, the bishops will then gather to determine how best to continue as a unified church. This expansion of the current "Synod of Bishops" will take two years to complete.

The term "synod" originates from a Greek word that can be translated as "coming together" or "traveling together."

According to The Conversation, the practice of holding synods within the church can be traced back to early Christian leaders who would meet, deliberate and pray about matters that pertained to the church. Around the 16th century, the frequency of these meetings began to decline. The most recent synod to occur was known as the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

One of the synod's goals was to stress and reemphasize the importance of bishops as community leaders and to foster better communication and collaboration among bishops.

A diocesan synod is any gathering of clergy and laity that is part of a larger effort to restore the life of the church, according to the Archdiocese of Detroit.