Synod Summary (10): Including people with disabilities, the role of women and the climate crisis in Brazil – Vatican News

(Vatican News Network)The work of the Synod of Bishops began on the morning of the 15th in Paul VI Hall. The day began with a tribute to the Brazilian poet José Carlos de Sousa. The poor poet, who lived under the columns of St. Peter’s Square, died in August this year and his funeral was held that morning. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communications and Chairman of the Information Committee of the Synod of Bishops, announced the news at a briefing in the Holy See Press Room.

In addition, Ruffini also reported that there were 347 participants in the conference hall both yesterday afternoon and this morning, continuing to participate in discussions in several groups. Present at the press conference were Sister Nirmala Alex Maria Nazareth, Superior General of the Apostolic Carmelites, and Cardinal Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, Archbishop of Manaus, Brazil and Cardinal Roberto Repole, Archbishop of Turin and Bishop of Susa.

Relational spaces as meeting places

Ms Sheila Pires, secretary of the Information Committee of the Synod of Bishops, pointed out that Sister Maria Ignazia Angelini led prayers and meditation that morning, and the Speaker of the Synod of Bishops Jean-Claude Hollerich Cardinal Hollerich also spoke. Pires emphasized several points in particular about the views of Benedictine nuns. The first is “the roots of the church”, that is, “the church must work firmly in certain circumstances.” This is followed by ‘the vitality of the gospel’, where ‘relational spaces represent areas of human encounter in which the gospel can be spread out and proclaimed’.

dynamic view

Pires continued, “In his report Cardinal Hollerich emphasized the importance of the third unit of the Working Paper, which is dedicated to places. A dynamic perspective that also includes immigration issues. More on that, there are reflections on “Walking the Fields Together,” “Building Ecclesiastical Bonds,” and “The Bishop of Rome at the Unity Service.”

The Amazon climate crisis

Then came a question and answer session for reporters, which focused on environmental issues, the relationship with the Synod on the Amazon, the role of women in the Church, and the inclusion of people with disabilities. Speaking about the climate crisis, Cardinal Steiner, Archbishop of Manaus, described the dire situation the Amazon region is currently facing due to lack of water: “The main rivers are no longer navigable, there are no river transport routes, and many groups cannot reach them. “.

The work of women in the Brazilian Church

Regarding the “crucial” role of women in the Church, Cardinal Steiner emphasized that in the region of Brazil where he comes from – a place that has been without a priest for more than 100 years – “these groups organize themselves and continue to pray, and women play a key role in this process.” Many women were “entrusted with the responsibility of the community, taking on the responsibilities of delivering Holy Communion and preaching the Words, and they were active in Caritas, in prison chaplains, and among homeless people on the streets.” The contribution of women cannot be ignored “They represent our church, and it would not be the same without them.”

Regarding the much-discussed issue of female deacons, Cardinal Steiner said: “Many of our women are actually fulfilling the duties of deacons, even if they do not have formal titles, but in our eyes they are indeed performance of these duties, which is very important. It’s surprising to people.

Answering a journalist’s question about disability inclusion, Vatican Prefect for Communications Ruffini emphasized: “At least in my organization, this issue is being discussed and we will see in the next few days which is before us will be discussed in the plenary session. Of course, this is a subject that concerns everyone and we can do more, but when we talk about vulnerable people, on the margins, that gives a including people with disabilities.”

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