Cardinal Mario Grech has paid tribute to Australia for exploring ways to advance the mission of the Church.

The Secretary General of the Synod visited the tomb of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop in Sydney on November 6 before addressing the Australian bishops on the final day of their Spring plenary.

He told the meeting the next phase of the synod process leading up to an ecclesial assembly in Rome was aimed at supporting mission.

“The primary aim is not to produce new documents – we have had enough,” he said.

“Rather, it is to encourage a circulation of gifts that strengthen communion and supports mission.”

He said it was important to listen to people of all cultures in their rich diversity.

“The Gospel doesn’t diminish their cultures – every culture is, in principle, compatible with the Christian message,” Cardinal Grech said.

“Every local church is a laboratory of the Spirit – a place where the Gospel becomes incarnate. And, as such, an indispensable point of passage for the reform of the entire church.

“The synod has woven the churches of the world into a genuine network – a point of connection and mutual illumination.”

He said over the past five years he had seen the Holy Spirit at work.

“It’s not the result of our intelligence and capabilities, but the movements of the Spirit are evident. It is heartening and gives hope.”

Cardinal Grech told the bishops there was also an ecumenical dimension to the synodal movement.

“Interest our ecumenical partners are showing is super,” he said.

Each diocese is expected to hold an “evaluation assembly” in 2027 as a way of what Cardinal Grech described as “looking back with gratitude and honesty on the journey it has undertaken to recognise the fruits that have matured”.

There would be national and continental versions of these in late 2027 and early 2028 before the Rome ecclesial assembly.

Asked about the progress of Australia’s Plenary Council decrees, Cardinal Grech said he shared the concern about how long it was taking to have them recognised.

However, he said the Australian experience had “really interested local churches” in other parts of the world.

“There are many who are asking how the Australians managed to celebrate the Plenary Council,” Cardinal Grech said.

“There are already fruits, although you have not received the reply from Rome.

“It is already a landmark for the whole Church.”

(Image: Cardinal Mario Grech prays at the tomb of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop in Sydney. Source: Paul Osborne/Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)