Pastoral theologian Barbara Velik-Frank (pictured) is the first woman in Austria to take up the post of episcopal vicar. The Bishop of Carinthia, Mgr Josef Marketz, appointed her as “Episcopal Vicar for Synodality and Church Development” in the Diocese of Gurk. Her mandate will start on 1 March. The establishment of the new office and the appointment of Velik-Frank are “not only important steps on the synodal path, but above all concrete implementations of the strengthening of the laity and women in particular as called for by Pope Francis”, Mgr Marketz stressed in a press release. Velik-Frank, currently Director General at ARGE–Municipal Consulting and Organisational Development, should play a key role in promoting the synodal development of the Church in Carinthia. Mgr Marketz pointed out that a woman will guide this process of synodal development: “This is so important for the Church in Carinthia, for she has accompanied and helped to shape the process from the very beginning with a global vision and in-depth knowledge”. The bishop said he is convinced that Velik-Frank “will continue to keep the synodal development of the Church on track and advance it in the spirit of Pope Francis and the Synod of Bishops, in order to reform the Church in Carinthia and position it well for the future”. Velik-Frank herself spoke of “a special recognition and also a further sign of more leadership responsibility for women in the Church”. Her objective will be “to advance not only the church development process, but above all the synodal path in our diocese”.
