Cardinal Tobin Says the Holy Spirit Guides Synod

Final Bergoglio lecture focuses on moving the Church forward during disconnected times

Cardinal Joseph Tobin recently came to Sacred Heart University to present SHU’s third and final Bergoglio lecture of the semester, “Pope Francis: Journey of Synodality.” Tobin, a member of the synod council tasked with exploring issues facing the Church, talked primarily about the need to overcome divisions and move forward in unity.

Michelle Loris, associate dean of SHU’s College of Arts & Sciences and chair of the Catholic studies department, provided background on the University’s Bergoglio Lecture Series, which bears Pope Frances’ original surname. “This series speaks to the heart of SHU’s mission by bringing to campus renowned lecturers who speak about the Catholic intellectual and social traditions, as represented by Pope Francis’ vision and his work in the world,” she said.

With humor and piety, Tobin―who also is the archbishop of Newark, NJ―began his presentation with an anecdote about time he spent with Pope Francis. He shared his observation that the pope exhibits a deep understanding of the world and its people.

He moved to discussion about the synod, recalling that when he was called to serve on the council, he believed the members would choose immigration and refugees as their focus. “I thought this would be a great topic for the Holy Father,” he said. “[Immigrants are] fleeing for their lives and their families, driven by violence, driven by poverty, driven by environmental questions that were the product of the thoughtless consumerism of wealthier nations.”

Pope Francis, however, was adamant that the topic be synodality—journeying together as people of God. So, the council began its mission of exploring ways to unite the Church, which has been divided on a number of issues, including the LGBTQ community and the positions women may hold in the Church. Tobin told his audience that the Holy Spirit lies at the center of the discussions, and that understanding how the Holy Spirit speaks to local Churches is particularly important.

He noted that changes in technology, health and other areas have led to a disconnect in various aspects of life today, including politics and religion. He said the Church must recognize those shifts.

When he discussed the Church’s need to look at the world as it exists today, Tobin quoted from Pope Francis’ programmatic statement published in 2013: “[The pope] said, ‘I dream of a missionary option, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation,’”

Synodality “is nothing less than an invitation to discover anew the gift that has been given to us,” Tobin continued. “In order that we missionary disciples fulfill the apostolic mission that has been entrusted to us, we need the action of the Holy Spirit. We need to remain open to Her inspirations and responsive to Her charismas, her gifts.”

He said the Church must hear and trust the Holy Spirit to start creating unity. “The synodal walk is done by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the head of the synodal path,” he said, emphasizing that in shaping the future, Church members must journey together as “people of God.” Drawing on Biblical references, he said diversity should not keep people apart.

After his lecture, Tobin spoke candidly with his audience. Participants asked him about the Church’s adaptability, his time in Rome and immigration outreach. In answering, Tobin praised young people’s characters and spoke of the beauty of traveling as pilgrims rather than as tourists and the importance of becoming familiar with the experiences of all Catholics.

Two other Bergoglio lectures took place this semester in recognition of SHU’s 60th anniversary. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, spoke Feb. 8, and Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, archbishop of the Diocese of San Diego, spoke Feb. 22. SHU’s Center for Catholic Studies sponsored all three talks.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of SHU’s incorporation. The lectures, as well as other events, have been planned to celebrate the milestone and the tremendous growth in the University’s facilities, athletic programs, degrees and majors.