Catholic Outlook Magazine | Lent & Easter | 2023 Issue

Synodality sparks conversation
STORY CHRISTINA GRETTON
While Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, described as
the most influential woman in the Vatican, was
in the Diocese of Parramatta in February this
year, renowned journalist Geraldine Doogue took
the opportunity to lead a discussion of what
synodality might look like in Australia.
Along with Sr Nathalie, Australia’s Ambassador to
the Vatican, Chiara Porro, CEO of Caritas Australia,
Kirsty Robertson, and Chair of St Vincent’s Health,
Paul McClintock, came to the Mary MacKillop
Chapel in the Bethany Centre to talk about some
of the practical applications of synodality in the
Australian context. “This puts ‘flesh on the bones’
of the process that Pope Francis has initiated,” said
Geraldine, referring to the Synod of Bishops taking
place in 2023 and 2024.
Sr Nathalie told the group that she had heard a
common comment from many people in local
Churches around the world. “So many people have
said that it is the first time the Church is asking my
voice, is asking me to contribute,” she said. “This is
leading people to realise ‘yes, the Church is not only
the bishops, but all of us, and we want to continue’.”
Paul, who chairs an organisation with 80,000
workers, felt this concept could be challenging.
“There is a thing in the back of our minds that says,
‘do we really have permission?’ ‘Are we allowed
to do this?’,” he observed. “Synodality is hugely
important in telling us, ‘It’s time for us to rethink our
leadership role’.”
When Kirsty Robertson travels to some of the most
remote, poverty-stricken and powerless parts of
the world, she has seen people with t-shirts about
the Synod of Bishops. “This Synod is sparking
conversations around the world,” she said, adding
that people she encounters are now saying “I have a
voice” for the first time.
Sr Nathalie addressed the controversial nature of
synodality head-on, noting it ranges from anxiety
amongst bishops and priests who may be worried
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