Word, Sacrament, Charism and Synodal Church

Cardinal Marc Ouellet - We publish in this page a few excerpts from the volume Word, Sacrament, Charism, Synodal Church: Risks and Opportunities, written by Cardinal Marc Ouellet, a Canadian Sulpician, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Bishops and President Emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Ouellet, born in Quebec in 1944 is one of the last direct disciples of theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988). “What does the future hold for a synodal Church?” “ Missionary conversion or confusion?”,  the book addresses some of the questions that challenge the Church of the 21st century and its future.

Whatever one may say, whether to complain or to rejoice, one must thank Pope Francis for boldly reopening the debate on Catholic ecclesiology along the lines drawn by the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council. There are scandalized voices on the right about the "revolutionary" elements introduced by his gestures and initiatives; on the left, complaints arise about the lack of progress on decisions long considered essential for the modernization of the Church. 

The Pope has found a way to bring the extremes together one after the other and to project the Church forward, starting with a vast operation of listening and dialogue aimed at building a more synodal Church together. Participation, communion, and mission are the fundamental themes of this synodal journey. This endeavor challenges theology to articulate the novelty of the synodal concept with the perennial elements of Tradition, in order to avoid developments that may be "creative" but disconnected from the ecclesial roots due to a lack of grounding in the previous discernments of the Holy Spirit. 

In the current context of synodal growth, the dialogue between "hierarchical gifts" and "charismatic gifts" has not yet reached ecclesial maturity, that is, the recognition of the essentiality of both. Because of the persistence of clericalism and a lack of pneumatological awareness, the balance still tilts too much in favor of those who ultimately decide on the value and modalities of a charism.

Today, it takes a great deal of courage, humility, and patience to defend an authentic charism that the Holy Spirit raises for the common good. It is like a cold wind of doubt has made people question important things that the Church must have for its identity and mission. We hope for new times of synodality that will allow not only the preservation of the heritage of movements and new communities but also the broadening of the awareness of charisms in all ecclesial communities.

At Pope Francis’ Ignatian school, we are slowly learning about the importance of discernment. It is a very important and complex process where it is not enough to know the doctrine or the law well. One must also learn to discern the presence of the Spirit. For a more open church leadership to the Holy Spirit, who is working in every situation. He helps people who pray and listen so that they automatically know how to apply the rules in a way that fits them and their moral or spiritual possibilities.For a more open ecclesial governance to the Holy Spirit, who is at work in every situation, since He enlightens the praying and attentive person so that they instinctively know how to apply the norms in a fitting and flexible way in relation to the concrete moral or spiritual possibilities of individuals and communities.

The temptation for order at all costs and control must not prevail over the unexpected paths where the Spirit wants to lead certain vocations and charisms. In recent times, we have been overwhelmed by criticism of clergy and religious who have failed. We have also seen a certain pessimism, and a distrust of founders and founderresses because the authorities sometimes secretly spread bad publicity. We must remember that a falling tree does not eliminate the forest that remains standing and that makes no noise.

I conclude. The great synodal movement that is spreading throughout the entire Church would not have been possible without the Holy Spirit’s awakening in post-conciliar movements and communities. These groups have worked hard to create a synodal sense in the whole People of God. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis had already pointed out to these movements and communities a path of integration and service toward ordinary or extraordinary charisms present in the territory of each local Church. This timely orientation has been welcomed, and we see the fruits in many synergies and collaborations. 

Thanks to God and His many blessings, we’re all on the journey, shepherds and faithful, in the Spirit of the risen Lord, to reach together the goal of the Kingdom of God. We are planting the Gospel of love in all our church and missionary relationships. Love makes us generous in our mission to all those who await the light of Christ through our testimony of faith and hope. Each person’s special gift of the Holy Spirit is put into the evangelizing community of the People of God for the benefit of all. Sometimes it means making big sacrifices, but always with the joy of serving the bigger Love that loves us all.

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