Pope Francis, in his post-synodal exhortation looks at some aspects of leaders in communities. He reminds us that lay people can be given authority in faith communities. (Cf. QA 94, canon law 517.2) Why is this important? People must be …
familiar with the languages, cultures, spiritual experience and communal way of life in the different places, but also open to the multiplicity of gifts that the Holy Spirit bestows on every one.
How do we know this?
For wherever there is a particular need, he has already poured out the charisms that can meet it.
Why is this relevant?
The challenges in the Amazon region demand of the Church a special effort to be present at every level, and this can only be possible through the vigorous, broad and active involvement of the laity.
Religious women and men are one pool of leadership. (Cf. QA 95)
Pope Francis also touts the witness of base communities:
96. Base communities, when able to combine the defense of social rights with missionary proclamation and spirituality, have been authentic experiences of synodality in the Church’s journey of evangelization in the Amazon region. In many cases they “have helped form Christians committed to their faith, disciples and missionaries of the Lord, as is attested by the generous commitment of so many of their members, even to the point of shedding their blood”.[Aparecida Document 29]
Martyrdom is indeed a significant fruit of this expression of being the Church.
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Catholic Sensibility 