Among other topics, the synod is also studying the possibility of establishing a new Catholic rite for the Amazon region.
The idea is that religious ceremonies should have a ritual language that indigenous cultures understand, while maintaining the essence of Christianity.
For the prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, this is not a simple question. He believes it should be studied in depth.
CARD. BENIAMINO STELLA
Prefect, Congregation for the Clergy
“It seemed normal to me that this theme came up during the synod, but I must admit that I also thought this: the Amazon is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual reality. There are hundreds of ethnicties, dozens of languages... Besides, within a rite there are liturgical, disciplinary, theological aspects; there is a lot to talk about. I think it is necessary to analyze, think deeply and take a little time because these rites have a history, a spirituality and expectations. If the final document alludes to this, it will have to be taken up again later and worked on a lot.”
DELIO SITICONATZI CAMAITERI
Member of the Ashaninka people (Peru)
“I see you as worried, dubious in the face of this reality that we as indigenous people seek. Do not harden your heart, “soften” your heart. This is what Jesus invites us to do. Let us live together, believe in one God. In the end, we will be united, and that is what we want as indigenous people. Do we have our rites? Yes, we have our rites. But these rites must incorporate what is the center: Jesus Christ. There is nothing else to discuss about this subject. The center that unites us now in this synod is Jesus Christ.”
On Sunday, Pope Francis will close the synod. There is an expectation of what the final document will reflect.
It will be a list of proposals to the pope. It is usual that the pope will use it as a basis for an apostolic exhortation. This could take months to be published.
Javier Romero
Translated: Rachel Dobrzynski
