Hollerich hopes the synod can develop a road map for worldwide consultation before the next session of the synod in October 2024.
Some conservative Catholic commentators believe the Synod on Synodality is being controlled by a cabal of liberal church officials and theologians. The silliness of this conspiracy theory can be seen by observing the gentle way in which Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich has been guiding the work of the synod as the papal-appointed “relator” or moderator for the synod.
Hollerich is the 65-year-old archbishop of Luxembourg, whom one observer described as a big teddy bear. Before being appointed archbishop by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011, he was a Jesuit missionary in Japan. As relator, he urges the members of the synod to embrace the process. He raises questions but never imposes answers.
In welcoming the synodal members to their meeting place, he noted, “We are not sitting in hierarchical order but at round tables, which is a way to foster genuine sharing and authentic discernment.” This, he said, “mirrors the experience of the people of God along the synodal path that started in 2021.
“None of us is a star in this synod,” Hollerich said. Rather the Holy Spirit is the protagonist of the synod. “Only with a heart fully open to the Spirit’s guidance will we be able to respond to the call we have received as synod members.”
Hollerich stressed the importance of small-group discussions in the synodal process. Conversation in the Spirit “allows the expression of everyone’s point of view, enhancing consonances without neglecting differences, but above all discouraging polarizations and polemics.”
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The Rev. Thomas J. Reese, a Jesuit priest, is a Senior Analyst at RNS. Previously he was a columnist at the National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) at America magazine.
With thanks to Religious News Services (RNS), an independent, nonprofit and award-winning source of global news on religion, spirituality, culture and ethics, reported by a staff of professional journalists.
