Amazon Synod Press Briefing:
The spiritual dynamic of the Synod
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| Participants at the Press Briefing for the Amazon Synod on Wednesday 16 October |
At the Synod for the Amazon on Wednesday, participants
continued their discussions in small groups, as the assembly reached its
halfway point.
By Vatican News
Following the morning session, they daily Synod press
briefing focused on the unique spiritual dimension of the gathering, and its
significance for the whole world, with speakers addressing topics such as our
common responsibility in caring for the earth; the need for an integral human
ecology; vocations; and the role of the laity.
Summary by Dr Ruffini
The Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Dr Paolo
Ruffini, summarized some the main topics “at the centre of discernment” for the
synod, including: the Amazon region as a paradigm for the earth as our common
home; a calling to ecological conversion; interculturation; access to the
sacraments and education; ministries; migration; rural and urban life;
international and multilateral engagement for human rights. He said
participants at the Synod felt strongly the need to focus on an overall, unified
vision, guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than getting caught up too much in
details.
Comments by Fr Costa
Fr Giacomo Costa emphasized once again that the Synodal path
is very different from worldly gatherings. It is an experience marked not by
discussions or debates, like a secular parliament, but rather has a spiritual
dynamic, marked especially by fraternity. He spoke too about the abundance of
“joy, trust, faith” that so far have characterized the assembly.
Ms Yesica Patiachi Tayori (Peru)
The first guest speaker, Ms Yesica Patiachi Tayori, an
indigenous woman from Peru, spoke about the role of native peoples as
“guardians of the forest”, while noting that caring for our common home is the
responsibility of everyone. She said that her people are facing a real threat
of extinction, and already have the experience of being discriminated against.
Bishop Ambrogio Spreafico (Italy)
Bishop Ambrogio Spreafico spoke about the synod as an
ecclesial event, with repercussions not only for the Pan-Amazon region, but for
the whole world. He mentioned the importance of and integral, human ecology,
especially in light of Pope Francis’ teaching in Laudato sí, which he said has
not been well understood.
Bishop Wellington Tadeu de Queiroz Vieira (Brazil)
The fraternal environment at the Synod was also mentioned as
a highlight by Bishop Wellington Tadeu de Queiroz Vieira. He also spoke about
the crisis of vocations, not only in Amazonia but around the world; and said
that the question of vocations should not be primarily about celibacy, but
about holiness.
Bishop Pedro José Conti (Brazil)
Finally, Bishop Pedro José Conti spoke about the role of the
laity. He said they were not merely helpers of the clergy and religious, but
had their own lay vocation, which he called an “antidote to clericalism”.
Bishop Conti noted the importance of finding a balance in producing goods from
the land, and emphasized the necessity of drawing from the “ancient wisdom of
the native people”.
A question about the small group reports
Dr Ruffini, asked about the small circles, said that the
Press Office expects to be able to publish the reports of the groups on Friday
afternoon.
A question about the statue used in ceremonies at the
Vatican
One reporter asked about the symbolic significance of a
statue that was used in the ceremony for the consecration of the Synod to St
Francis, which took place in the Vatican Gardens. The representatives of
the Holy See Press Office said they would find out more information about the
statue and the artist who created it. They noted that the ceremony was
organized by REPAM. Speaking in a personal capacity, Dr Ruffini said the statue
represented life.
A question about the indigenous Harakbut people
Ms Tayori fielded a question about her own native people,
and recounted how they were exploited by those seeking rubber. She also spoke
about a Dominican missionary who ministered among her people, and who fought
for and with the Harakbut people. She said that but for that missionary, she
would likely not be present to tell her story.
A question about the openness in the Synod, and about what
was most moving in the first part of the Synod
Responding to a question about what was most moving at the
Synod, Bishop Conti said what struck him most was the opportunity to hear from
the indigenous peoples, and the freedom with which they spoke about their own
experiences. He said it is the children who will save the environment, and
particularly the children of the indigenous people.
He said we must be united with one another, and grow in
fraternity and solidarity with others, and said it was a beautiful time for
communion within the Church.
Bishop de Queiroz Vieira said one of the most significant
moments in the synod is the availability to live diversity in unity. That, he
said, is based on brotherhood, which is led by and modelled by Pope Francis.
Following along the same lines, Bishop Spreafico also
praised the humility of Pope Francis as a model. He said the way in which we
listen to pain; this is a time in which we listen to pain, and share it.
A question about the role of women
Bishop de Quieroz Vieria, in response to a question about
the role of women, said that the presence of women is essential in the Church.
He highlighted their role in missionary work, catechesis, liturgy, in caring
for the poor and in caring for children. He said the Church and the world must
recognize the value of women, noting there are places where women are
discriminated against.
He said that with regard to the question of opening the
diaconate to women, Bishop de Quieroz Vieria said that question was already the
subject of study, and that in the meantime, the value of women should be
recognized.
Bishop Spreafico noted that many pastoral projects in his
own diocese are led by women, and spoke of the important role women play in the
Church.
Bishop Conti said the Brazilian Bishops Conference was
moving in this direction, and reiterated the words of his brother Bishops that
is essential to enhance the role of women.
A question about opportunities for lay men and women
Another reporter asked Bishop Conti what he envisions as
possibilities for a Church not only with an Amazonian face, but with a lay
face. The Bishop said that the path to fuller participation on the part of the
laity is a process which is going forward. He emphasized the need for formation
for lay people in their own special callings.
Bishop de Queiroz Vieria emphasized that the Church is made
up not only of Bishops, but of all the baptized. He noted that the Synod was
called precisely in order for the Bishops to make decisions in consultation
with all.
A question about what a representative Synod would look like
Asked about whether Bishops were satisfied with the
representation of women in the Synod, Bishop de Queiroz Vieria emphasized the
unique composition and role of a Synod. He said it is not simply a matter of
numerical representation, but that in this particular ecclesial context, the
representation in the Synod is significant.
Bishop Conti insisted that we are experiencing a Synodal
Church, and that little by little, the Church can be expected to open new
paths. He suggested that more spaces will be opened to women in the future.
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