Homily 19.11.23 by Frank Brennan 6

During the week, Chris White, the Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter delivered the Helder Camara lecture at Newman College with the title: ‘Will our Faith Have Children?’ He addressed that part of the Synthesis Report that states: ‘Theological and pastoral research on the access of women to the diaconate should be continued, benefiting from consideration of the results of the commissions specially established by the Holy Father, and from the theological, historical and exegetical research already undertaken. If possible, the results of this research should be presented to the next Session of the Assembly.’ He said there may be an opportunity during the routine papal press conference on the flight back from the forthcoming climate change conference in Dubai to ask Pope Francis about the possibility of the findings of the two commissions being released before the next session of the synod to allow open, transparent discussion of the matter. During question time, a Franciscan Missionary of Mary sister put to him not a question but a request:

‘When you have that possibility to speak to Pope Francis on that papal plane about the findings of the commission on the diaconate, can you please remind him that the International Theological Commission in 1974 – we’re celebrating 50 years next year – made a finding that there was no prohibition on the ordination of women. Now 50 years, for those of us who have been in for the long haul – to find out that synodality comes up with yet another commission with more study. Not only will the faith not have children, it won’t have women. So please!’