There will be no deaconesses, say the synod.

One of the topics discussed before the synodal assembly was the ordination of women as deaconesses. However, according to the Crux Now portal, the synod participants say it is too early. They told the media that while various topics are being discussed, no decisions will be made on specific issues, such as the issue of deaconesses.

Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi from Tokyo, during a briefing, when asked if the time has come to decide on the diaconate of women, replied that there are different opinions on it within the synod.

According to him, there is also a difference in the understanding of terminology, which is highly dependent on cultural background. According to him, there are very different opinions on this issue, so it’s almost time to decide.

According to Irish religious Mary Teresa Barron, president of the International Union of Superiors General, the issue of women’s diaconate is on the table.

“The beauty of the Catholic Church is that we have both ends of the spectrum in terms of what we believe,” she said, indicating the different perspectives on the issue.

Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, Lithuania, and president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), also thinks a decision is unlikely. “Focusing on different services in the church, or discovering new services in the church, is part of the discussion,” he declared to the media.

“Very often, we try to put things in black or white, yes or no, go or stand, but I think the discussion that is going on is one of how we live the church in a completely different way or the same way in a better dialogue,” he said.

A prayer for migrants and refugees led by Pope Francis in front of a bronze statue in St. Peter’s Square on Thursday, October 19, 2023, was part of the synod delegates’ program. 

The Syrian nun Houda Fadoul, representing the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Middle East, pointed to her experience leading a women’s congregation in Syria. He considers it essential that “each of us, male or female, takes his role and uses the gifts in the church, regardless of who he is.”

This week, the synod also considered the church’s authority, the need to avoid clericalism, and various elements of authoritarianism in leadership.

Evangelism in the digital world was also a key point of discussion, with many participants noting that young people are increasingly online, making the internet a new form of “mission territory” for the church.

According to Archbishop Grušas, regarding specific decisions or conclusions for the topics themselves, they will not come this year or next.

The archbishop sees many issues, such as the position of women in the church or the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the church. According to him, these questions will be around for a while. He pointed out that the synod does not seek to decide on doctrinal or dogmatic issues.

Grušas perceives that the goal was to allow the participants to express their opinions and let the problems “bubble” along the way. He says, “There is no preconceived notion of how it will end at the synod, which takes a bit of faith when walking into the unknown.”

“As much as people would like to see some decisions made, I think the process is more important here than the conclusions,” he said.

What does the day of a synod participant look like?

Finally, let’s look at the human side of the event – how do the synod delegates live these days?

I get up around six. 30-year-old priest Ivan Montelongo from El Paso, Texas, one of the eleven delegates from the USA, told the Catholic News Agency about his usual synodal day.

If the everyday morning mass is not celebrated in the Basilica of St. Petra, it is at 7:00 a.m. along with other priests residing in the Pontifical North American College. This is followed by a quick breakfast and transfer by minibus to Paul VI Hall, where synodal meetings are held.

The work program starts at 8.45 and ends at 12.30, interrupted only by “sacred moments” for coffee. The American delegates will have lunch and a siesta in their college on the nearby Gianicolo hill.

The afternoon program lasts from 4:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., followed by dinner in the college and a free program used to prepare work documents or relax. The day, of course, ends with evening prayer.

The youngest synod participant, 19-year-old Wyatt Olivas from the American diocese of Cheyenne, who is in the Eternal City for the first time, is trying to use the little free time to get to know Rome.

“I am very grateful to be here and to participate in this historic moment in the church’s life. I am ready to return home and bring all the wealth I saw here,” said the young college student.