"On inculturation, or using local customs in Mass:
The synod encourages "greater inculturation" in Masses, but bishops should favor a "just balance between the existing criteria and directives and the new adaptations."
As an outsider, I can't say as I think this is a good idea at all. In this day and age, the danger of syncretism is high, something the Latin Church in Central and South America is riddled with. It might have been a good idea once upon a time, but now such talk is more political, and politically correct than theological and spiritual.
"On Eucharist and the mentally disabled:
Mentally disabled people have a right to Communion, even if their ability to understand it cannot be proven."
As many of you know, our youngest son, now 22, was born with Down Syndrome. He goes to communion every Sunday. We have friends, formerly Latin Catholics, who had a child with Down Syndrome at about the same time. This Latin diocese refused to create a "CCD" program for the child and refused to arrange for a First Communion because, "He doesn't understand and doesn't need it anyway." This, by the way, from the then bishop himself. They left the Latin Church with a loathing that is truly incredible. Its about time something was done about this!
My son is in a special ed CDC class with a down syndrome classmate and at some point they will receive communion when the teacher thinks they gave reached understanding. It seems your friend's problem was not a doctrinal one, but one of being part of the wrong parish.