Submissions for the Synod

Maynooth seminary is still grabbing headlines.
Tony Flannery, on his own website, gives a frank opinion of the most recent proposals put forward by the trustees. “Are these men serious? Do they expect this effort at very traditional regimentation, and equally traditional spirituality, to solve the problems they believe existed?”
Brian Eyre, commenting from the remove of Brazil, sees merit in a proposal that “a subcommittee of lay people, families and “especially the presence of women” will be introduced as part of priestly formation”.
Meanwhile Cindy Wooden, writing in America Magazine, reports on Pope Francis speaking in Krakow about the training of seminarians. Pope Francis is reported as saying “too many seminaries teach students a rigid list of rules that make it difficult or impossible for them as priests to respond to the real-life situation of those who come to them seeking guidance.” and “”We need to truly understand this: in life not all is black on white or white on black,” he said. “The shades of grey prevail in life. We must them teach to discern in this gray area.”
Perhaps Maynooth’s trustees should consult Pope Francis?

America magazine carries a story that the archbishop who heads the U.S. bishops’ liturgy committee says the ‘new missal’ may need to be revisited to fix “problematic” sections that fail to “bring the entire church together.”

Women’s Ordination Worldwide (WOW) celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene (July 22) with the launch of Dr. Annette Esser’s beautiful original painting, “Longing for the Sun of Justice.” The painting symbolizes women’s calling to priesthood, not granted by men in the church, but through Christ.