Card. Grech: Women will play a bigger role in the Synod's decision-making process
The next assembly of the Synod of Bishops is being prepared. The theme will be synodality.
Cardinal Mario Grech never imagined he would become a bishop. As a young man he entered the seminary thinking he would become a parish priest.
CARD. MARIO GRECH
Secretary General, Synod of Bishops
“I was about to start a university course, but instead decided to do volunteer work with disabled people. I still remember that experience. I was with a young man who was in a wheelchair because of an accident. It made me reflect upon my life, and that's when I felt this calling.
Nevertheless, in September he was named secretary of the Synod of Bishops, succeeding Lorenzo Baldisseri. And on Nov. 28 he knelt before Pope Francis to receive the cardinal's biretta.
CARD. MARIO GRECH
Secretary General, Synod of Bishops
“I feel very comfortable around the pope because I see him as a father figure who wants to accompany me on my journey, not only as a Christian, but also as a priest and bishop.”
He's currently preparing for the next assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will be on synodality. It's an interesting theme for all Christians, not just Catholics, because it looks at the Church's decision-making process and how the pope should carry out his role.
CARD. MARIO GRECH
Secretary General, Synod of Bishops
“[Non-Catholic Christians] have been invited to all the past synods. We appreciate their opinion. We are all people of God, so why not listen to what the Holy Spirit says to our brothers and sisters? Even more so in this case, since they have a very rich synodal tradition.”
The cardinal's team includes one woman: Sr. Nathalie Becquart. Pope Francis recently appointed her to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, which means she will be allowed to vote at the synod. Cardinal Mario Grech says this decision is an important step toward de-clericalizing ecclesiastical structures.
CARD. MARIO GRECH
Secretary General, Synod of Bishops
“This is a new aspect only in part. Already in past synods were lay people, not only bishops and priests, allowed to participate.
But the fact that Sr. Nathalie is a member of the synod means that women will now play a bigger role in the decision-making process.”
The next synod is scheduled for 2022. Bishops from all over the world will meet in Rome. The hope is that the pandemic will be under control by then so the event can take place as planned.
Javier Romero
Translation: CT
