Category Archives: Querida Amazonia

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation wraps up with a Conclusion addressing the Mother Of The Amazon Region. Let’s read: 111. After sharing a few of my dreams, I encourage everyone to advance along concrete paths that can allow the reality of … Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation looks at Christians together. What can Catholics profess in common with non-Catholics? 109. All of us, as Christians, are united by faith in God, the Father who gives us life and loves us so greatly. We … Continue reading →

In  his post-synodal exhortation Pope Francis turns to one final topic, ecumenical and interreligious coexistence. Catholics were first to South America more than five centuries ago. But now other subdivisions and religions old and new share the region. 106. In … Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation looks at a new topic. We can cover expanding horizons beyond conflicts in just one post. So let’s get to it: 104. It often happens that in particular places pastoral workers envisage very different solutions to the … Continue reading →

The post-synodal exhortation offers some final thoughts on the role of women in the Church. 102. We must keep encouraging those simple and straightforward gifts that enabled women in the Amazon region to play so active a role in society, … Continue reading →

Some people cling to various metaphors. Pope Francis, in his post-synodal exhortation, gets into two “buts.” 101. Jesus Christ appears as the Spouse of the community that celebrates the Eucharist through the figure of a man who presides as a … Continue reading →

For a male-driven institution, this topic is a difficult one. In some ways Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation skirts some issues while tentatively addressing others. The strength and gift of women isn’t easy for some males. This admission is an important one: … Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation also encourages links between faith communities. As is true elsewhere in the universal Church, not every community can address all the issues it may face. The essential gifts may be present, but sometimes people need help … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation addresses communities filled with life. The Mass is central in this life-giving quality. A reminder for priests on one important consideration, that the Eucharist is part of uncovering and assisting the discernment of gifts: The one … Continue reading →

89. In the specific circumstances of the Amazon region, particularly in its forests and more remote places, a way must be found to ensure this priestly ministry. This is the key issue. Lay people can do some things, validly: The … Continue reading →

Pope Francis, in his post-synodal exhortation , summarizes what priests do and what nobody else can do. And why: 87. The way of shaping priestly life and ministry is not monolithic; it develops distinctive traits in different parts of the … Continue reading →

In his post-synodal exhortation Pope Francis writes of inculturation of forms of ministry. 85. Inculturation should also be increasingly reflected in an incarnate form of ecclesial organization and ministry. If we are to inculturate spirituality, holiness and the Gospel itself, … Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation utilizes four paragraphs to look at liturgical inculturation. Here is the last, where we are reminded that the sacraments are designed to bring people nearer to God: 84. The sacraments reveal and communicate the God who … Continue reading →

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation continues to look at the inculturation of the liturgy. Pope Francis explores a value not new to him, and touched upon not only by his second processor, but something that harkens back centuries before Christ. 83. … Continue reading →