The recent Synod of Bishops, dealing with the consecrated life, has excellently brought to light several of its aspects specially vital for the future of the Church: mission, enculturation, reference to other ecclesial communities… On the other hand, it seems to have bypassed several important doctrinal issues, such as the very significance of the concept of consecrated life. Among other matters left untouched let us mention: the place of women in the Church, the possibility of a temporary commitment, the relationship with the laity, the privilege of exemption. Drawing its inspiration from christology and ecclesiology, the Synod has perhaps been less sensitive to the role of the Holy Spirit.
