Key Highlights
- The cardinale Mario Grech emphasized the importance of dialogue and courage in understanding God’s will during a significant celebration.
- Maria is presented as an example of active dialogue with God, reflecting modern values within the Church.
- The 2025 Jubilee of the Synodal Teams aims to promote a more mission-driven and participatory approach in the Church.
- Cardinal Grech highlighted the need for the Church to embrace the values of listening, praying, meditating, and acting in response to societal needs.
The Cardinal’s Message: Embracing Dialogue with God
In a significant celebration marking the 2025 Jubilee of Synodal Teams, Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General of the Secretariat for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, drew inspiration from the life of Mary. Speaking in Piazza San Pietro during an evening vigil, he highlighted the importance of dialogue and courage as essential tools for understanding God’s will.
“Combating” with the Lord by expressing “objections” and “doubts,” Cardinal Grech said, is not about opposition but rather to gain a deeper understanding in challenging times. This approach, he argued, embodies an “active dialogue” that resonates with contemporary values of engagement and openness.
A Model for Modern Church Engagement
The celebration marked the culmination of discussions on the synodal approach within the Church, emphasizing active participation from all members. Cardinal Grech explained that the Church’s journey in this Jubilee aims to foster a more mission-driven and participatory community. Drawing directly from Mary’s life as depicted in the Annunciation, he highlighted her role as an active interlocutor with God.
“Mary listens, prays, meditates, dialogues, accompanies, discerns, decides, and acts,” Cardinal Grech noted, emphasizing that this example should guide all members of the Church community. Through Mary’s active engagement, the cardinal argued for a more dynamic approach to faith, encouraging ongoing dialogue with God and others.
Embracing the Values of Mission and Service
The vigil also underscored the importance of service to those in need, reflecting on how the Church can better respond to societal challenges. Cardinal Grech referenced Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical Mariani Cultus, which highlights the role of the Church as a “prolongation” of Mary’s solicitude towards the poor.
“Like Mary, we must listen and serve those in need,” Cardinal Grech stressed. This call to action involves not just words but concrete actions that reflect Christ’s love for all people. The vigil concluded with prayers and reflections on how each member can contribute meaningfully to the Church community’s mission.
Future Directions: A Call to Act
The celebration marked a pivotal moment in the Church’s ongoing journey towards greater synodal engagement. By following Mary’s example, Cardinal Grech called for a more active and inclusive approach to faith and service. The 2025 Jubilee of Synodal Teams aims not only to celebrate but also to inspire a new era of Church participation, where each member can find their unique role in the mission.
“Offering home and voice to every vocation,” Cardinal Grech concluded, “we ensure that our community remains vibrant, open, and generative.” The celebration highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Church to embrace these values, both now and into the future.
