Archbishop Jaime Spengler, President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM)

Archbishop Jaime Spengler, President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) Photo: ADN CELAM

New Brazilian cardinal confirms: new Amazonian rite and viri probati are on the table

Church Leadership Open to Amazonian Rite and Married Priests in Response to Regional Challenges

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(ZENIT News / Roma, 10.10.2024).- As discussions within the Synod on Synodality continue in the Vatican, one major issue under consideration is the creation of a new «Amazonian Rite» to address the unique cultural and logistical challenges faced by Catholic communities in the Amazon. Archbishop Jaime Spengler, President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), confirmed this ongoing discussion, emphasizing that in some remote regions, communities go months, even years, without celebrating the Eucharist due to a severe shortage of priests.

Speaking during a press briefing on October 8, Spengler acknowledged the urgent need for solutions in the Amazon, where isolation and diverse indigenous cultures make it difficult to ensure consistent access to the sacraments. He suggested that creating a specific rite for the Amazon would recognize the region’s distinct spiritual traditions while respecting the Church’s broader liturgical heritage.

“We’re discussing the possibility of an Amazonian Rite,” Spengler said, underscoring the challenges faced by indigenous communities. He referred to the ongoing work by the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) and emphasized the need for a liturgy that reflects the region’s unique cultural identity.

Spengler also touched on the concept of “inculturation”, a term frequently invoked by Pope Francis. He expressed his personal support for further exploration of how the Roman Rite might be adapted to local customs, adding that the dignity and reverence shown by indigenous ministers during liturgical celebrations in the Amazon had left a profound impression on him. Spengler praised their contributions to the Mass, recalling a 2023 service in Manaus where indigenous participation brought a deeper sense of care and solemnity to the celebration.

While discussions on inculturation are underway, concrete details on what an Amazonian Rite might look like are still being shaped. Observers familiar with Vatican proceedings point to past examples of liturgical adaptation, such as the approved Zairean Rite, as a potential model for this new Amazon-specific expression of faith.

Married Priests and the Role of Viri Probati

Another pressing issue raised at the Synod is the potential for married men, known as “viri probati”—men of proven faith—to be ordained as priests, especially in regions facing acute shortages of clergy. Archbishop Spengler acknowledged that the Church must approach this topic with openness, stressing that it is a question of discipline, not theology. He shared the testimony of a bishop from central Brazil who highlighted the challenges of having only one priest available to serve an area «twice the size of Italy.»

While Spengler stopped short of advocating for the immediate ordination of married priests, he noted that the Church must have “courage” to consider this option. He also pointed to the growing number of permanent deacons, suggesting that some might eventually be ordained as priests for specific communities. This, he said, would require a spirit of generosity and a willingness to embrace new possibilities while remaining rooted in the Church’s theological and scriptural traditions.

“We must face this issue with boldness,” he said, borrowing a term often used by Pope Francis, “parresia”, meaning frankness or courage. Spengler also stressed the importance of staying attuned to the “signs of the times,” much like the apostles, who found ways to address the needs of their growing communities while staying true to the Gospel.

A Broader Shift in the Church

The Synod’s deliberations on an Amazonian Rite and the ordination of married priests reflect broader efforts by Church leaders to respond to evolving pastoral needs in regions like the Amazon. These discussions also illustrate a tension within the global Church: how to balance fidelity to tradition with the necessity of adapting to local realities.

The debate over “viri probati” has been particularly controversial, with proponents arguing that married clergy could provide a practical solution to the priest shortage in remote areas, while critics worry that it could undermine the Church’s long-held discipline of celibacy.

As the Synod unfolds, it is clear that any decisions regarding an Amazonian Rite or the ordination of married priests will not be made lightly. Both issues reflect a wider desire for the Church to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful, particularly those in marginalized and underserved communities, while also preserving its rich liturgical and theological traditions.

For now, Archbishop Spengler and other Church leaders continue to explore these possibilities with the hope that new approaches, rooted in both tradition and cultural sensitivity, can offer meaningful solutions to the challenges faced by Catholics in the Amazon and beyond.

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