Br Mark O’Connor FMS, Vicar for Communications in the Diocese of Parramatta, has been interviewed by renowned journalist Geraldine Doogue for her series on the Plenary Council of Australia, “Plenary Matters”.
Br Mark talks with Geraldine on the ‘potholes and possibilities of church renewal’. They discuss Pope Francis’ synodal journey and reforms for the Church, including the opposition that has arisen during his papacy.
Br Mark outlines why he believes the Synod of Bishops is the best hope of implementing Vatican II and draws on the words of Cardinal Martini in his last interview. “Vatican II gave the Bible back to Catholics. Only those who perceive this Word in their heart can be part of those who will help achieve renewal of the church, and who will know how to respond to personal questions with the right choice…. Neither the clergy nor ecclesiastical law can substitute for the inner life of the human person.”
Geraldine has been recording interviews with prominent Australian Catholics since 2021 including Edmund Campion, Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Madeline Ford. Her interview with Br Mark will be the second in her fourth series and is entitled “On the way to renewal”.
You can find the episode and others on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
