When the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon rolls around in October, the long-debated possi-bility of ordaining mature, marri-ed men to the priesthood in areas where there are priest shortages will be brought to the table, according to one Brazilian theolo-gian.

Speaking to Crux, Jesuit Father Francisco Taborda, a professor of theology at the Jesuit university in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and an author of numerous books on the sacraments, said one of the primary pastoral challenges in the Amazon region is access to Mass, especially for indigenous populations who often live in rural areas that are difficult to reach.

“The Eucharist is central in the Christian life,” Taborda said, and lamented the fact that many communities in the Amazon only receive the Eucharist at most four times a year, which is “a very big problem.”

“There is a shortage of priests,” he said adding that this can lead “to a re-thinking of how it can be done so that every community… can have the Sunday Eucharist.”

Asked if this “re-thinking” included the ordination of so-called viri probati, meaning mature, married men who are strong in their faith and who would usually be considered as candidates to be ordained dea-cons, Taborda said “that’s what this is about.” “In the final analysis, the solution that could be seen is this one,” he said, explaining that the topic will come up in the synod hall.