Dear Friends,
As you might be aware, on October 9 Pope Francis spoke to delegates from around the world in the Vatican's synod hall, telling them that this two-year process of a synod - which will conclude in Rome in October 2023 - must include all of the church's members, especially those frequently marginalized. "We must acknowledge the frustration and impatience felt by many pastoral workers, members of diocesan and parish consultative bodies and women, who frequently remain on the fringes," he said. "Enabling everyone to participate is an essential ecclesial duty."
After decades of continued financial and sexual scandals plaguing the church, Francis is betting that the synodal process - that of a participatory, listening church - will invite a fuller involvement of all its members and help purge its abuse of power. Despite the church's vertical, hierarchical structure, Francis insisted that the synod "listen to the questions, concerns and hopes of every church, people and nation." "Let us ask: in the church, are we good at listening? How good is the hearing of our heart?" Francis asked. "Do we allow people to express themselves, to walk in faith even though they have had difficulties in life, and to be part of the life of the community without being hindered, rejected or judged?" "Let us not soundproof our hearts," the pope implored.
Jesuit Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, who is Archbishop of Luxembourg and will serve as the synod's relator general, said that listening "is a passage from a 'me' to a 'we.'" Over the next two years, many of the church's hot-button topics, such as priestly celibacy, the role of women and outreach to LGBTQ persons, are likely to emerge as wedge issues in the synodal process. Francis told delegates not to be afraid to ask questions and to engage in honest, respectful dialogue, while also warning that the synod is not a parliamentary or political process. "Keep us from becoming a 'museum church,' beautiful but mute, with much past and little future," he pleaded.
Pope Francis noted that at times there is a type of “elitism” among the clergy that distances them from the laity, which makes them the “lord of the house” and not a shepherd. This, the Pope said, requires changing certain overly vertical, distorted, and partial visions of the Church, the priestly ministry, the role of the laity, ecclesial responsibilities, roles of governance, and so forth.
Another risk that a Synod can run into is becoming intellectual, offering learned but abstract approaches to the problems of the Church and the evils in our world, which are far removed from the reality of the holy People of God and the concrete life of communities around the world.
A third danger that a Synod should avoid, the Pope said, is the temptation to complacency, which says, “we have always done it this way” and it is better not to change. The word ‘complacency’ “is a poison in the life of the Church.” “The Holy Father stressed that the synodal process should involve the local Churches, in different phases and from the bottom up, in an exciting and engaging effort that can forge a style of communion and participation directed to mission.”
I am happy to report that Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has appointed Father Jimmy Macalinao as the diocesan point of contact for Synod 2021 – 2023. I will have more information to share as the conversation becomes clearer in the days to come. Meanwhile, let us pray that the church in the United States shares the excitement, vision and openness of our fearless leader, Pope Francis.
We are still waiting for our projectors to arrive. It is nearly 5 months, but like everything else, we are at the mercy of the global transportation delays and computer chip shortage. I would like to thank you for your patience.
Fr. Paulson
