he flagship of the fleet, the Holy See Ship Synodality, is in dire straits (leaks about the final document that will be issued today suggest it will be, for those with radical hopes, a disappointment). HSS Synodality took a serious hit last December with the fiasco of Fiducia supplicans regarding the blessing of same-sex couples, and began listing seriously to starboard.
The current synodal assembly on synodality in Rome has now delivered another shot on the port side; another fiasco has unfolded regarding women deacons. And the man responsible for both hits is Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, one of the most senior admirals in service on the barque of Peter.
HSS Synodality set sail when Pope Francis announced in March 2020 the commissioning of a great new ship. The synodal process on synodality for a synodal Church will thus mark its fifth anniversary early next year. It has sailed through some rough waters, but even after five years, it is not clear where exactly synodality is headed. HSS Synodality has thus been on a voyage without a destination.
Perhaps the purpose is the voyage, not the destination – the motto of travel agents and military recruiters for generations. It’s not about where the ship is headed but how it gets there. That’s why Cardinal Fernández has proved so deadly to synodality. In his navy, the admirals do not consult the petty officers – or even the commanders.
Opening this assembly of the synodal process, Pope Francis preached earlier this month that, “every word is to be received with gratitude and simplicity and can become an echo of what God has given for the good of our brothers and sisters.”
“The more we realize that we are surrounded by friends who love, respect and appreciate us, friends who want to listen to what we have to say, the more we will feel free to express ourselves spontaneously and openly,” the Holy Father said.
Openness, consultation, transparency, respect, listening – these are the hallmarks of synodality. All voices are to be heard. All are friends to be cherished.
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