Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Members of the Synod of Bishops have initiated discussions aimed at enhancing transparency and harmony within the Catholic Church. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, serving as the relator general of the synod, emphasized this objective as the second week of the monthlong assembly commenced on October 7.

Cardinal Hollerich introduced discussions about the second module of the synod's working document. He cautioned against maintaining a superficial approach that merely acknowledges the importance of relationships for personal and community development. Instead, he urged members to provide concrete guidance: “The people of God are waiting for guidance and suggestions from us on how to make that vision concretely livable.”

He posed a critical question to participants: “What is the Holy Spirit inviting us to do to move from a pyramidal way of exercising authority to a synodal way?”

In their first week, synod members explored foundational understandings of synodality within the church. Moving forward, Cardinal Hollerich stated that they will seek ways to implement today "the ecclesiological perspective outlined" by the Second Vatican Council. He highlighted a challenge in balancing abstraction with pragmatism.

The cardinal encouraged members not to shy away from proposing concrete ideas adaptable by individual churches according to varying circumstances.

Benedictine Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini, a spiritual adviser to the synod, reflected on Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan during her address. She noted that it illustrates how God's commandment is understood through an instinctive recognition and engagement with others. In today's world, marked by "fratricidal wars," she said that relational transformation is essential.

Mother Angelini described "the Samaritan" as embodying this transformation by forming relationships that testify “to God, not himself.” She concluded with a call for embracing complementary relationships: “We are called by the synodal way to see the other in weaving, complementary relationships.”