Vatican City, 16 October 2014 (VIS) –
The twelfth General Congregation included the presentation, in the
Assembly, of the Reports of the ten Small Groups, divided according
to language: two in French, three in English, three in Italian and
two in Spanish. In general, the Small Groups presented both an
evaluation of the “Relatio post disceptationem” (RPD), a
provisional document published at the midway point during the Synod,
as well as proposals to incorporate in the “Relatio Synodi” (RS),
the definitive and conclusive document of the Assembly.
Firstly, some perplexity was voiced
regarding to the publication, although legitimate, of the RPD since,
it was said, this is a working document that does not express an
opinion shared univocally by all the Synod Fathers. Therefore, after
expressing their appreciation of the work involved in drawing up the
text and regarding its structure, the Small Groups presented their
suggestions.
It was first underlined that in the RPD
there is a focus on the concerns of families in crisis, without
broader reference to the positive message of the Gospel of the family
or to the fact that marriage as a sacrament, an indissoluble union
between man and woman, retains a very current value in which many
couples believe. Therefore, the hope was expressed that the RS may
contain a strong message of encouragement and support for the Church
and for faithful married couples.
Furthermore, it was remarked that it is
essential to underline more clearly the doctrine on marriage,
emphasising that it is a gift from God. It was further proposed that
elements not contained in the RPD be integrated in the RS, such as
the theme of adoption, expressing the hope that bureaucratic
procedures be streamlined, both at national and international levels,
and also the themes of biotechnology and the spread of culture via
the internet, which may condition family life, as well as a note
regarding the importance of policies in favour of the family.
In addition, it was said that greater
attention should be paid to the presence of the elderly within
families, and to families who live in conditions of extreme poverty.
The grave problems of prostitution, female genital mutilation and the
exploitation of minors for sexual purposes and for labour were
denounced. It is important, it was said, to underline the essential
role of families in evangelisation and in the transmission of faith,
highlighting their missionary vocation. Overall, the aim is to offer
a balanced and global idea of the “family” in a Christian sense.
With regard to difficult family
situations, the Small Groups highlighted that the Church should be a
welcoming home for all, in order that no-one feel refused. However,
greater clarity was advocated, to avoid confusion, hesitation and
euphemisms in language, regarding for example the law of gradualness,
so that it does not become gradualness of the law. Various Groups,
furthermore, expressed perplexity regarding the analogy made with
paragraph 8 of “Lumen Gentium”, inasmuch as this could give the
impression of a willingness on the part of the Church to legitimise
irregular family situations, even though these may represent a phase
in the itinerary towards the sacrament of marriage. Other Groups
expressed their hope for a more in-depth focus on the concept of
“spiritual communion”, so that it may be evaluated and eventually
promoted and disseminated.
With regard to possibility of divorced
and remarried persons partaking in the sacrament of the Eucharist,
two main perspectives emerged: on the one hand, it was suggested that
the doctrine not be modified and to remain as it is at present; on
the other, to open up the possibility of communication, with an
approach based on compassion and mercy, but only under certain
conditions. In other cases, furthermore, it was suggested that the
matter be studied by a specific interdisciplinary Commission. Greater
care was suggested in relation to divorced persons who have not
remarried, and who are often heroic witnesses of conjugal fidelity.
At the same time, an acceleration of the procedures for acknowledging
matrimonial nullity and the confirmation of validity was advocated;
furthermore, it was emphasised that children are not a burden but
rather a gift from God, the fruit of love between spouses.
A more “Christ-centric” orientation
was required, as well as clearer emphasis of the link between the
sacraments of marriage and baptism. The vision of the world must be
one which passes through the lens of the Gospel, to encourage men and
women to the conversion of the heart.
Furthermore, it was emphasised that,
despite the impossibility of equating marriage between a man and a
woman with homosexual unions, persons of this orientation must
receive pastoral accompaniment and their dignity must be protected,
without however implying that this may indicate a form of approval,
on the part of the Church, of their orientation and way of life. With
regard to the issue of polygamy, especially polygamists who convert
to Catholicism and wish to partake in the sacraments, thorough study
was suggested.
The Small Groups advocated broader
reflection on the figure of Mary and the Holy Family, to be better
promoted as a model for reference for all family units. Finally, it
was asked that it be highlighted that the RS will in any case be a
preparatory document for the Ordinary Synod scheduled for October
2015.