Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General to the 2021-23 Papal Synodal Process

Recognising that priests everywhere are ‘already carrying a pastoral burden’ Cardinal Mario Grech – General Secretary to the 2023 Rome Synod of the world’s bishops – has urged them to welcome the synodal listening process – as a means of recognising and awakening other labourers in the vineyard to a new dawn of hope.

‘The Common Priesthood of the Baptised’

In a letter dated 19th March 2023, the Cardinal asks:

“If so much emphasis is placed on the common priesthood of the baptised and on the sensus fidei of the People of God, what will become of our role as leaders and of our specific identity as ordained ministers?

And answers:

“Without a doubt, it is a matter of progressively discovering the fundamental equality of all the baptised and of stimulating all the faithful to participate actively in the journey and mission of the Church. In this way we will have the joy of finding brothers and sisters who share with us the responsibility for evangelization… 

” The ability to imagine a different future for the Church and her institutions, in keeping with the mission she has received, depends largely on the decision to initiate processes of listening, dialogue, and community discernment, in which each and every person can participate and contribute.” (n. 9)…

“We recall that the purpose of the Synod, and therefore of this consultation, is not to produce documents, but “to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands” (n. 32).

To read the complete text of the Cardinal’s letter, click here.