A minister for a synodal Church

I believe that fraternity is a distinguishing feature of the ordained minister in the teaching of Pope Francis; it is what ecclesial communities demand and what we must strive for. 

The Church needs priests who are close, empathetic, and compassionate, who exercise their leadership by understanding that power in the community is a service, just as Jesus taught us (Mt 20:26-28). I consider it very important that they are people of prayer because only in this way can they make the presence of Jesus transparent in their ministry. 

Fortunately, I have encountered and know several who, despite their limitations, are oriented in this direction. As we see an increase in these types of ministers and as we work together to realize the long-awaited reform of the Church proposed by Pope Francis, clericalism will decrease in our communities. A synodal Church needs this kind of ministers. 

by Marcela Mazzini
Ordinary Professor, Director of the Institute of Theological Research at the Faculty of Theology, UCA, Argentina