In an emotional homily on July 29, a top Catholic Church official urged priests to pay attention to what ordinary faithful have to say and reach out to those who have often been overlooked in parishes. At the opening Mass for a meeting of parish priests from across the country in Manila, Cardinal Jose Advincula called for a departure from “our tombs of exclusivity and comfort” to foster genuine communion within the Church. The cardinal emphasized that true communion cannot be achieved if clergy cling to “outdated conventions and unhealthy conveniences.
” “If we keep saying we have been doing it this way, we might be unconsciously pushing away the people who need our communion the most, people who often feel that they cannot fit in the Church, sinners, the poor, the marginalized,” Advincula said. The cardinal, who is the archbishop of Manila, cautioned against acts that “discount or even suppress” the contributions of parishioners, urging priests to avoid making people “sheepishly dependent” on clergy. Instead, he called for allowing ordinary Catholics, especially the marginalized, to express their sentiments and insights, which he believes is essential for true synodality in parish communities.
“Let us recognize and encourage their boldness as witnesses to our faith,” Advincula said. “Let us include such voices and contributions in the life of our parish communities.” His voice faltered as he urged priests not to succumb to “factions” claiming t.