THE Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist has acknowledged a priest shortage in some parts of the world but has rejected the elimination of priestly celibacy and ordination of married men as a solution.
In a final list of 50 propositions, approved at the end of the synod on October 22-23, current Church rules on celibacy, shared Communion, and divorced and remarried Catholics were upheld.
The propositions emphasised that while the Eucharist is the centre of Christian life not everyone has an automatic right to receive it at all times.
To promote better Mass attendance, the bishops recommended better liturgies, strong preaching and improved education for Catholics to understand the Eucharist.
The synod voted on the propositions after minor amendments were made to an earlier draft version of the proposals.
Written in Latin, they were given to Pope Benedict XVI for his use in a possible future document.
The decisions were praised by Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, who told reporters in Rome, “I think it is significant that there has been a massive restatement of the tradition in the Latin Church of mandatory celibacy for priests”.
At a closing press conference, French Archbishop Roland Minnerath of Dijon, the synod’s special secretary, said it was a mistake to have expected major changes on issues like divorced Catholics.
The synod’s other recommendations included:
- Better emphasis on the missionary aspect of the Eucharist.
- Study and possible change in the order of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist.
- Possible relocation in the liturgy of the sign of peace exchange.
- Reminding the faithful of the importance of genuflection or other gestures of adoration before the consecrated host.
- Better awareness of the Eucharist’s connection with social justice issues, including ecological concerns.
CNS
