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PDF versionAsia, Oceania women religious offer support to beleaguered U.S. sisters
Statement represents a step in global women religious unity
Oct. 20, 2009
Sisters deliberate at Thailand conference (photo by Tom Fox)
SAMPHRAN, THAILAND
In a symbolic and bold move, 113 women religious leaders from 17 Asian and Oceania nations today issued a statement of solidarity with U.S. women religious who are facing two Vatican investigations.
The women began their nine-day conference Oct. 13, and as they conclude, they said they want to send a message to their sister sisters half a globe away that they are one with them in their time of difficulty.
The meeting is being held under the auspices AMOR, which is holding is 15th gathering since the loose network of women religious was organized in the early 1970s. AMOR, which stands for Asia-Oceania Meeting of Religious has been holding its meeting with the theme “Jesus Encounters the Syro-Phoenician Woman: Called to Move Beyond.” The solidarity statement was viewed by many as one answer to the call.
AMOR women religious leaders gather every few years to listen to one another, share ideas, offer encouragement, set goals and plan for the future. The organization has no official church status, which, several delegates said, gives it greater freedom, flexibility and strength than if it had official status, a sentiment shared by one of the main speakers.
At this year’s meeting, held at the Baan Phuwaan archdiocesan conference center 30 miles outside of Bangkok, the women grappled with seemingly overwhelming challenges. Overwhelming, they would say, but not so with the grace of God. Time and again they declared they will find ways to “move beyond,” deepening their ties with the poor and deepening their motivating spirituality.
The issues on their discussion tables ranged from global to local, from climate change to relations within their congregations.
Ample time was given for sharing stories and cultures, which were often given expression in evening sessions of song and dance. Many of the stories were heart-wrenching. The women here came from the corners of their societies and represent Catholic populations that are only slivers of the wider society.
Many are marginalized in both the wider culture and the church. But these women seemed to draw strength from each others’ commitments and shared circumstances of vulnerability.
In story after story, what emerged was a portrait of women living and working on the margins of society, often with little support or acknowledgment, but inspired by the Jesus story.
In the course of the conference, the women engaged each other, listened to each other, and offered solace. They were encouraged by examples of breakthroughs of women who had emerged from the grip of oppressive structures. AMOR organizers invited an ordained Thai female monk to share her story. She related stories of widespread personal discrimination.
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One woman religious talked about her life in rural Malaysia, where she is a simple witness to tribes whose lands are being taken by logging companies. Another woman talked about witnessing a Catholic village burned to the ground recently by religious fanatics. Still another woman lives in rural Thailand, high in the mountains, trying to provide education to the young.
“I think AMOR is playing a prophetic role,” said Sacred Heart Sr. María Victoria González de Castejón, executive secretary of the International Union of Superiors General, based in Rome. Castejón was a guest observer. “AMOR is not recognized in the church as an official institution. It is, then, a free forum. It’s playing a role in helping us to go beyond, which, of course, is the theme of this gathering.”
“I think AMOR can show that we women religious can meet and we can share things, as women religious, that are deep and meaningful in our lives. We can share things that challenge us. These women are not waiting for a green light. They are capable of organizing themselves without a green light.”
Castejón termed the statement issued on behalf of sisters in the United States “very touching.”
"All [these women] want to say is 'We are with you.' You have these younger ones, the younger sisters of religious life -- although some of the congregations they are part of are very old -- and as a small group they are saying to the older sisters, to a whole continent, 'We are with you.' I think this is beautiful."
The official AMOR statement, short and to the point, is addressed to “our sisters of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious” and reads: “We, 113 women religious from 17 countries, representing the conferences of major superiors of Asia-Oceania, are participating in AMOR XV (Asia-Oceania Meeting of Religious ) in Samphran, Thailand, from the 13-21 October 2009. The theme of this assembly is ‘Jesus Encounters the Syro-Phoenician Woman: Called to Move Beyond.’ Through your leadership conference, we are aware of the journey that many congregations of religious in the United States are going through. We offer you our solidarity and prayers.”
It was signed by the AMOR XV executive committee and approved unanimously by a show of hands from the group.
A number of themes ran through the gathering, among them “the call to go beyond.” Others included the need for prophetic witness, the connection between prayer lives and action, contemporary challenges of religious formation, and disappointment in church authorities who ignore women religious as equals and as self-generating agents of change and growth.
The mood of the gathering was also apparent in speakers’ addresses.
On day one, Infant Jesus Sr. Maria Lau from Singapore challenged the women “to break out of their boundaries — and move beyond them.” She encouraged delegates “to think anew and base their actions on the radical example of Jesus who broke through the boundaries of his time, and in the particular the way he dealt with women.”
Lau said the Gospel stories of Jesus’ encounters with women revealed a pattern of empowerment. Jesus allowed women to be themselves, she said. “He gave women security and space to come forward,” she said.
In another address, Indian theologian Assumption Sr. Rekha M. Chennattu called for a radically new religious paradigm. She told the women the time had come for women religious to leave what she described as a culture of “command and control” and enter one built on “service and friendship.”
Chennattu, who holds advanced degrees in scripture studies from Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and The Catholic University of America in Washington, described religious formation as a “never-ending dynamic process.”
“Religious by nature are called to bring about its dynamic permanent renewal,” she said. “We live in a fast-changing world and the only thing that is constant in this world is change. The old style of leadership as ‘command and control’ is outdated and cannot work today.”
She advocated a “friendship” model, which, she said, would be “the most appropriate and adequate model” for religious in today’s communities.
Fox is NCR editor and can be reached at tfox@ncronline.org.
I believe the correct term is
I believe the correct term is "visitation" not investigation. Please do your homework. It is sad to see such sloppy journalism.
A "visitation" suggests that
A "visitation" suggests that one was INVITED. This INVESTIGATION was neither invited nor welcomed...especially in light of its secretive nature.
Words can be twisted to suit any purpose. The Vatican and those in power are experts at that!
Why is there not a "visitation" leveled at the Bishops and priests?
This is just a smokescreen!
If it walks like a duck.....
If it walks like a duck.....
Symantics: It would seem
Symantics: It would seem that since the visitation is an investigation of Women's Religious Communities in the United States, the term investigation applies here and is perfectly sound journalism.
If it walks like a
If it walks like a duck...talks like a duck...and quacks like a duck- maybe it's a duck!
If the IRS or FBI came into your family or mine conducting that kind of "visitation", I bet we would feel investigated.
Dear Tom A., Actually it's
Dear Tom A.,
Actually it's you who are misinformed.
There are actually two processes going on. One is definitely an investigation and from the beginning was so titled: the one involving the Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR). The other process is labeled a Visitation. It involves all apostolic U.S. women's religious institutes. In the beginning people used to be "ecclesiatically" correct and call them by separaate names. Sometimes, though as time goes by, we need to call a spade by its real name. Even though the second process is officially called a visitation, no one understands it to be anything but an investigation. So when one refers to either process, it is now entirely proper to refer to an investigation. Journalism is not a textbook; it's a recounting of the world as it is.
Investigation is more
Investigation is more realistic.
Visitation is the "official
Visitation is the "official title, Investigation/inquisition is more accurate and realistic. Vatican messages cite one section of the effort as an investigation into living conditions of women religious.
If the LCWR is doing nothing
If the LCWR is doing nothing wrong, then what are they so afraid of? Please leave off all references to Hitler and SS. I really would like to know what do they think the Vatican will find or suggest.
Tom, I am very interested in
Tom, I am very interested in the Vatican Visitation/investigation because it involves me directly and I am reading a lot of the information. Your message is the first message referring to Hitler and SS. How does this serve you?
Sorry, the Hitler SS
Sorry, the Hitler SS reference was to another thread somewhere equating Rome's "visitation" to the Gestapo knocking on your door in the middle of the night. I think the analogy is silly, but someone else made it. It must have been on another thread. Anyway, I have since learned that there are indeed to parts of this process. One the visitation and another called a doctrinal assessment. Correct me if I am wrong. You are a lot closer to the issue than I am. I hear and read a lot of complaints about Rome and this "visit" and again ask, "What is the fear?" Is Rome going to close your houses down? Tell you to wear a habit? Or suggest ways to increase vocations? See how you can better fit into parish and diocesean life? There is no use avoiding the question of numbers. There is a priest shortage and a sister shortage. Why??? This is your opportunity to tell Rome your problems. Don't waste it. But also be ready for answers or suggestions you may not want to hear. Consider the possibility that the Holy Spirit is talking to you and Rome through this process. Both have a lot to learn.
The only thing that is sloppy
The only thing that is sloppy sir is the damaging two-faced cowardice of the likes of the three weaklings Mr. Rode, Mr. Pillarzcyk, and Mr. Burke etc. and the lay muck that prop them up. No straw nun's skirt is big enough to hide their sloppy culpability in the wholesale harassment of women-religious.
It seems to me that many
It seems to me that many respondents are getting awfully defensive and paranoid. What is wrong with expecting women religious to show loyalty to the Catholic Church and the Nicene Creed??? Instead, SOME sisters evangelize spiritual creationism (or creation spirituality, whatever...), reiki massages and other forms of New Age superstitions and live in open lesbian relationships in their own homes... At least in the Richmond, Va diocese...
However, most women religious are devoted to social justice, prayer, teaching, political causes related to Catholic social teaching, and many other vocations to validate our Catholic faith. But please, notify those who practice faith healing, buddhist meditations, polytheism, idolatry, etc.
Tom, please do your homework.
Tom, please do your homework. I am a retired Naval Officer, a highly educated man, family connections to religious, family man and for12 years a resident in a foreign Nation where I was privileged to be personal secretary and secular administrator to a senior Cardinal. My background leads me to shrink from this fascist inquisition. It is not only un-American, hence anti-cultural to our beliefs and Constitution, it is destructive globally of the development of the Church. We Catholics of strong and good Faith, well educated, dedicated to the welfare of humankind are disturbed and insulted by this very secret, very evil, very questionable of motive (our wealth perhaps) attack on our Church and its strong members, the Sisters of our land. The NCR is reliable, accurate and welcome to comment, mistaken as yours, or as full of reality as mine. You Tom should apologize for your gross ignorance.
I agree with you -
I agree with you - investigation is not a good word - it is not strong enough - I think inquisition fits better!!
I think "visitation" is a bit
I think "visitation" is a bit of a euphemism. Actually, one can sat that it is a visitation in order to investigate. That would be pretty accurate, don't you thinnk?
And the root of AMOR is the
And the root of AMOR is the word for love. What brave and holy women. May God's blessings be on all of you.
Peace
I want to thank NCR for
I want to thank NCR for consistently backing women religious and publishing articles that can give us hope. The above article is an example of encouraging and prophetic words. It is heartening to see this support from other women religious who face incredible challenges in their own lives and take the time to reach out to others. This is the stuff of which dreams are made.
Thanks. I echo your
Thanks. I echo your response.
Peace and all good
This is an example of support
This is an example of support from women Religious from other continents that I was hoping to see. Well done. I am proud of them for standing up and supporting the remarkable women at LCWR. It is but another sign that the People of God are no longer afraid of power holders in Rome. The men in Rome have consistently abused and misused their power and they are finally being challenged from a wide variety of Catholics from every corner of the Globe. The "old style" command and control is finally at the point of such decay that it has no chance of surviving. I commend Thomas Fox for sharing this bright news from the Oceania women Religious and their regional communities. Be prepared for the shills of the bishops who represent no change. They will probably post a great many violent and degrading comments in this thread.
Where would the Church be
Where would the Church be without women, especially those marvellous Sisters totally dedicated to their work? Long live AMOR!
The members of AMOR give all
The members of AMOR give all of us courage to continue our belief in ourselves and our ministry in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your support and your prayers. You are not "waiting for a green light" to do the work you see is needed in your region. You have an advantage of being a free forum not accountable to Church authorities but to the authority of Jesus. Thank you. An American Sister.
Where does the Catholic
Where does the Catholic Church figure in the lives of these catholic religious Women? They seem to be expressing opposition to the Church rather than love and commitment to it. And why does the NCR not mention WHY there is a visitation underway in the United States? There are some very specific and clear reasons for the visitations...this is no fishing expedition. The tone given in this article seems to group the Church into the ranks of those who "oppress" these women. Sad.
Yes, Tom A., the term they're
Yes, Tom A., the term they're using is "visitation." But it is, in fact, an interrogation, and even an inquisition! I think of meetings like Mary and Elizabeth as true visitations.
It has been exciting to read
It has been exciting to read of the commitment and Gospel vision of my Sisters in Oceania and Asia with whom I ministered for 12 years! May you continue to be a source of strength to one another as you attend to the movements of the Holy Spirit in our world and in your communities. Your support and prayer for us, your Sisters in the US, is much appreciated! Thank you for "thinking globally and acting locally" with such deep conviction and courage! Another American Sister.
All Catholics are grateful
All Catholics are grateful and proud of the work done over the history of the Church.
This is a 'visitation' not an investigation!!! If some sisters feel investigated well perhaps they are very good reasons for that feeling.
If they are religious women who can't support Church teachings in public along with their vows then perhaps it's time for them to ask themselves where they need to be?
Dear Amor Sisters, Thank you
Dear Amor Sisters,
Thank you for your courage and for your stance of solidarity with the Religious Women of North America. You have truly gifted us with your love, prayers and support during this difficult time as we continue to seek ways to best further the mission of Jesus in these post-Vatican II days.
We, in turn, pray for you and your ministries which make Jesus visible to the many who so need the miracles of His loving presence.
I think what the sisters in
I think what the sisters in Asia are claiming is nothing short of what Jesus said. In Him we would be free! I am so happy the sisters are showing the courage of claiming Jesus' way as their own.
These sisters are looking for
These sisters are looking for trouble! Isn't it wonderful?
I sincerely thank the
I sincerely thank the Religious Women throughout the world for continuing to challenge the increasing patriarchal and regressive nature of the current administration within the Catholic Church. It is only through such solidarity that the true role of women will be brought about in the Roman Catholic Church including participation in the ministerial priesthood. You are many on numbers and only when the women finally stand as one will change occur. We are in the grip of an evolutionary shift in human consciousness which includes the recognition of the feminine principle at all levels of human experience, including a new face of God. Our brothers seem to want to retreat to the middle ages when the rest of the world is suffering the agonies preceding such change. Thank you.
It is so heart warming to see
It is so heart warming to see the female side of the church taking action. Those at the top of the institutional church are so wrapped up in corporate structure they can not see the forest for the trees. Thank God for the female side. If not for them, teaching in parish schools for practically nothing, aiding the poor and sick, etc, ect, et al, the church would be in much worse shape today. Can you imagine a multinational corporation hiding criminal activity and getting away with making payments to victims. Then having records sealed? It would never happen. Thank God for the ladies. The days of obey, pay, pray are fast going the way of the dinosaur. The Church is of and is Jesus – not some old men in silly costumes. They are better suited for parades on 3 wheelers.
And, Tom A. Maybe the correct term is “visitation”, but the practice is intimidation.
Call it "visitation" if you
Call it "visitation" if you wish - it is not sloppy journalism to call this an investigation!
Tom A. should read some
Tom A. should read some Church history. What Rome does, at best, is investigation! Ask their subjects since Galileo about their experiences. Rome persecutes them and after they are dead canonizes them. The list is very long.....and distinguished! Now, if the Sisters were to investigate Rome, it might make sense.
Again, what are they afraid
Again, what are they afraid Rome will find???
Tom A. on oct20/09: "Afraid?"
Tom A. on oct20/09:
"Afraid?" I'm not sure of that. I guess the sisters are wary about everything that clerical Rome wants with all its institutional might at all cost even at the cost of suppressing graced diversity in the Catholic Church in the name of uniformity and centralism. It's the investigators who are afraid of the truth. Where are you coming from?
What graced diversity do you
What graced diversity do you suspect clerical Rome wants to suppress? What truth do you think the "investigators" are afraid of?
Why is uniformity bad?
You throw out all sorts of generalities and answer no questions. You make accusations and assumptions.
So I will answer the question for you. They are afraid of Rome finally documenting all the heterdoxy and paganism and non-christian nonsense that has been going on in many religious communities since Vatican II. It is not enough to feed the poor and hungry. You cannot lead them astray with flase teachings either. And the dissent and heresy is not limited to the nuns and orders, many diocesean programs are full on labyrinths, reiki, yoga, and other pagan practices too.
So if I am wrong, please tell me. WHAT ARE THEY AFRAID OF????
Tom A. on oct.
Tom A. on oct. 21/09:
Relax...Check your blood pressure....God is ever-patient and ever-loving....
" What graced diversity...suppress?" - Read again and again the reactions of ncr readers critical of the vatican investigation (and threats to healthy liturgical diversity)...
....There's nothing wrong with uniformity as such..EXCEPT when the Vatican wants all Catholics including the to-be-investigated sisters to pray and worship and act and witness the Gospel truth as ROMAN Catholics not as American or Asian or African or Latin American Catholics...EXCEPT when the Vatican virtually thinks the Holy Spirit blows where and when the former so wishes..EXCEPT when the Vatican do not really believe that the Gospel truth can be expressed and fleshed out in creatively diverse ways depending on historical and cultural contexts.
"..so I will answer the question for you" - Oh that's your question not mine.... And that's your answer not mine.... Indeed it's very 'Roman' to frame what questions to ask and to provide all ready-made answers.
....Oh your second to the last paragraph is shot through with generalities.
.....I'd rather live with a pagan who practices charity and compassion and honesty than a Catholic who lives his/her life as if God does not exist.
Tom A. on Oct. 20, 2009.
Tom A. on Oct. 20, 2009.
You stated:
"Again, what are they afraid Rome will find???"
--------------------------------------------------
The Sisters aren't afraid of Rome (and Rome already knows what the Sisters have contributed to the Church in America). Rome is afraid of the Sisters and is trying to intimidate, neuter, in plain words---silence them.
But it isn't going to work, because we are keeping tabs on everything that Rome does. And Rome doesn't like that either.
So, you are smarter, wiser,
So, you are smarter, wiser, and somehow "appointed" to be Rome's watchdog? By what authority? Peter and his successors were given the keys to the kingdom, not the LCWR. And that came from Christ Himself. Complain all you want about the administration of the Church (I don't like way my local parish is run either), but what you are afraid of is that you have been caught red handed teaching and or advocating heretical beliefs, like women's ordination.
Tom A. on Oct. 22, 2009.
Tom A. on Oct. 22, 2009.
You stated:
"So, you are smarter, wiser, and somehow "appointed" to be Rome's watchdog? By what authority? Peter and his successors were given the keys to the kingdom, not the LCWR. And that came from Christ Himself. Complain all you want about the administration of the Church (I don't like way my local parish is run either), but what you are afraid of is that you have been caught red handed teaching and or advocating heretical beliefs, like women's ordination."
-------------------------------------------------------
First of all---ALL the women religious of apostolic (non-cloistered) congregations are being investigated. It is a lot of work---in case you haven't seen the questions the Provincials/Major Superiors have to answer---it comes to pages and pages of work. Like they don't have enough already to do. (Many congregations are in the process of merging---and that takes meetings with lawyers, canon lawyers, bishops, membership etc---months and months of work).
You stated the Sisters were caught in advocating heretical beliefs---like what? Who is going around denying the truths of the Nicene Creed?
As far as heresy is concerned---define it! If any group is heretical it is the current magisterium. They are a bunch of Gnostics. They believe that they have secret knowledge that nobody else has. They show absolutely no accountability to anyone but themselves. They plot and plan behind closed doors (accept no consultation). It is like the proposed marriage pastoral in America---no married couples consulted in compiling it---just the secret knowledge of our Bishops---who know all about married life although they have never been married. And our current Pope has counterdicted himself a number of times in his pontificate so far. If it wasn't for the PR folks in the Vatican catching it---he would have had raw egg on his face.
But at least he is not a Pope Leo X (a Medici) whose inagural ball would have cost about 25 million dollars in today's monetary equivalent. He stated that "God gave us the papacy to enjoy, and we intend to do just that!" And there were a number of popes like him. Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, indeed! It's more like keys to Heaven's gold vault!
But when I wrote to Cardinal Rode---I reminded him that this IS AMERICA. People here have Constitutional rights---that are protected by law. The Sisters are American citizens and they do not leave their Constitutional Rights outside the Convent door when they enter it.
They have the right of freedom of speech---Rome cannot be going around trying to muzzle them for speaking/writing against what stupidity they see in their Church. Sisters may not be able to do that in Slovenia---but this is America.
You mentioned the LCWR---it is an elected LEADERSHIP group comprised of members of different religious orders/congregations---not a theological society/or a biblical scholarship group. Those groups get into speculative area of theology or biblical concepts---but not the LCWR. Most of the issues that they deal with are tying to find the best medical insurance/and the cheapest to cover the Sisters in their convents---trying to comprehend the changes in the Living Wills and HIPPA laws of their respective states (which changed about a year or two ago)--- and how they affect the Sisters of their communities---and do they need lawyers to come in and explain the changes to the Sisters and do all legal documents have to be re-done. Heretical beliefs---yeah, right!
But the Vatican seems to want this group to go around with a big ruler and crack the knuckles of any Sister who utilizes her rights within either Canon law or her Religious Communities' laws---and silence them. SORRY, this is AMERICA!
And with all of this discussion of Anglicans coming into the Church---and making allowances for them---fine! But if the Vatican thinks that it is going to get away by trying to kick the Sisters in the teeth (and that the Sisters are going to sit back and take it)---sorry, nobody has to take that abuse anymore. This is AMERICA!
Tom A. If this is not an
Tom A. If this is not an investigation, then why is everything so secretive? Why won't the results be revealed to the participating religious? Don't they have a right to know? Will the results be skewed to the investigators own thinking? I am opposed to the Church using my HARD-EARNED money for such nonsense.Also, the sisters in Asia seem to be clear-minded in their Scriptural reflections. The East is perhaps more familiar with the intuitive levels of consciousness then many head-oriented individuals of the Western Church. If you remain blocked in your present views, you'll never "get it."
Maybe the're afraid that Rome
Maybe the're afraid that Rome will insist that they return to how they lived their lives before Vatican II. You know, working full time as a teacher or a nurse, then working part time to help out in the parishes, All of this while getting no pay, unable to ever visit family or have individual friendships, not allowed to own or even drive a car and pretty much no social life outside the convent walls. In light of this possibility, I'd say that they have much to be afraid of.
John David on Oct. 27,
John David on Oct. 27, 2009.
You stated:
"Maybe the're afraid that Rome will insist that they return to how they lived their lives before Vatican II. You know, working full time as a teacher or a nurse, then working part time to help out in the parishes, All of this while getting no pay, unable to ever visit family or have individual friendships, not allowed to own or even drive a car and pretty much no social life outside the convent walls. In light of this possibility, I'd say that they have much to be afraid of."
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Sisters up until the mid 1950's used to receive a dollar a day. In the late 1950-1966, the Sisters used to receive $100 a month. The youngest Sisters, use to also be sacristans in the churches---actually wash church linens, clean and decorate the churches---and received a little more pay with that. Sisters also taught religion to public school children either on week-day evenings or Saturday/Sunday mornings---and received a few bucks for that.
However, many of the Sisters cannot go back to school and teach---they are aged and cannot put in a whole day anymore. One of my dear high school teachers---finally retired this year from being a high school libarian---she turned 92 years old this past August.
The Sisters from traditional religious Communities, if they want to teach and or be nurses----must also go to be certified according to State laws where they are in residence. They will have to attend classes, do assignments, receive degrees and pass state certification.
It would be pretty hard for the Vatican to dictate that the Sisters go back to yesteryear----reality will not permit it.
Yes, thank you LittleBear. My
Yes, thank you LittleBear. My point was intentionally a bit sarcastic. I wanted to make the point that when we long for the way things were, which I think most in the Vatican do, so often we view it thru a distorted, romantic lense.
This is what "church" is all
This is what "church" is all about.
Something amazing is
Something amazing is happening: Women Religious are speaking up and out in Africa at the Synod in Rome; in Asia at the AMOR meeting; and in the US with essays in NCR. The Spirit is really moving us all forward and hopefully beyond.
Thank you, NCR for courage and openness to support us and promote the true happenings throughout the global church.
Peace,
Elaine V. Shaw-Cote, OP
Dominican Sister of Peace
These women are asking for
These women are asking for trouble! Isn't that great?
I don't recall the good
I don't recall the good sisters asking for anything, much less trouble. I think the Vatican offices were oblivious to the respect and support of laity who appreciate all the Sisters have done for us.
The inquisiters are the ones who have brought more trouble upon themselves.
Grateful layman
Hey Deacon Muck! Woops excuse
Hey Deacon Muck! Woops excuse the typo. On second thought. The Holy Spirit made me do it!!!!
Deacon Mick, Daniel A., Tom
Deacon Mick, Daniel A., Tom A., all males. Figures!
As an American Religious, I
As an American Religious, I am deeply touched to receive your support.
As sung in Taize and
As sung in Taize and elsewhere:
Ubi caritas et AMOR,
Ubi caritas,
DEUS IBI EST!
Or as it has been rendered in English hymnody:
"Where charity and love prevail, there God is ever found."
oh c'mon, Tom A., we all know
oh c'mon, Tom A., we all know it's an investigation! lighten up and give the sisters some credit for understanding what's going on in Rome and doing what they can to support their sisters in the USA!
In response to Tom A., the
In response to Tom A., the correct term may be visitation but if he has read the pages and pages of questions to be answered by the Superior/ Prioress, he would note why the word "investigation" seems like a more apt term.
LSH
Anonymous Thank you Sister
Anonymous
Thank you Sister Sisters whom I have never met. You are a wonderful example of living up to your name AMOR. I know that many U. S. Sisters do undeed feel beleaguered and saddened by the fact and especially the mode of the Apostolic Visitation. Both the fact and mode speak of a mistrust and a misunderstanding of American Sisters. I personally think that some of the questions show a lack of understanding of the apostolic lifestyle and of the prayerful and educated women who took Vatican II seriously and implemented the changes mandated. Your courageous act of support shows that you do understand. May God continue to bless you with such courage and with all you need in your lives, your communities and your ministries for the Reign of God. Prayers are being sent your way. Thank you. An American Sister
Sister, if the LWCR is doing
Sister, if the LWCR is doing nothing but Christ's work then why the beleaguered feeling? Why the fear? Is it guilt? I think so.
Who says they are afraid? or
Who says they are afraid? or feeling guilty? Why do you assume those are the feelings?
"Shallow be thy name." Must
"Shallow be thy name." Must be the name of the God you pray to Daniel. Not the God of Love.
Anyone with the tiniest semblance of empathy would know those Sisters are being wrongfully victimized. They are being harassed by gutless church fathers who hide behind a straw nun. Beleaguered? Well, it is "pain and suffering". And guilt? That's on the PERPS and that would be the so called "men" of the church that brought this on. American Sisters are being harassed as a "class" and some big time lawyers should take "action".
“The loyal devotee, in any of
“The loyal devotee, in any of the faith systems, tends to be described as a faithful child of God. The Christian faith takes the parental imagery even further, inviting us to be faithful children, not merely of God, but of the Church as well. The clergy are the parents; the faithful assume child-like roles.”
“To some readers, this may seem a triviality; in fact, it has very serious consequences. Those who command power from within the religious systems have enormous difficulties in relating to their followers in an adult-to-adult mode. It sounds very threatening and, consequently, co-dependency becomes the order of the day. Women in particular have been degraded by this ordering of reality, and understandably, feel that they often have to move out of the religious system to retain their adult integrity.”
From “Religion in Exile - A Spiritual Homecoming” pg. 85
by Diarmuid O’Murchu
Amor con amor se paga! Such
Amor con amor se paga! Such Spanish saying speaks of love repaid by love.
Long live the AMOR women !
WOWWWW—113 women from Asia
WOWWWW—113 women from Asia and Oceania (wherever that is) taking on the entire Roman Catholic Establishment!!! Oh Mama Mary—what could this mean?
To my knowledge, this didn’t come from the religious women in Germany, Holland, England or any other European or South American country; this didn’t come from our priests and brothers in the U.S. or anywhere else.
What a happening! I will never forget this brave group of women religious, who jointly came up with the true gift of unconditional love, through their brave and gutsy stance in support of our U.S. religious women.
You 113 women representatives are truly a sacrament of Christ’s love and teachings.
Thank you and many blessings upon you, your communities and your missions.
Rosie
...and the U.S. Bishops are
...and the U.S. Bishops are deeply involved in writing a document about the sex lives of married couples--based on the stories in Genesis and the effects of original sin!!
Honestly, I don't think the
Honestly, I don't think the Sisters in Asia and Oceania really "get it" when it comes to the LCWR-friendly women religious of the United States. The women religious of Asia and Oceania are much more in tune with the essential elements of religious life (living in community, poverty, habit, and obedience) than their American counterparts.
As for the American sisters' "taking Vatican II seriously," I think what really happened was that the leadership of these orders interpreted Vatican II to suit their own selfish ends and communicated these errors to the Sisters under their care. This has resulted in the many misunderstandings and "spirit" of Vatican II, which Bishop Walter Nickless lately described as a "demon that must be exorcised." Hopefully, the Apostolic Visitation will help with that exorcism.
TNCath, it is you who does
TNCath, it is you who does not "get it" — you who prefers to live in some retro-version of Church. You referred to:
...A "demon that must be exorcised" ??? and "Hopefully, the Apostolic Visitation will help with that exorcism" ???....
So for yourself and Bishop Nickless, this "little visit" is for the purpose of exorcism for these "evil" women?! The plot thickens as nervous males (a/k/a the gasping, dying patriarchy) plot their pernicious harassment of strong, intelligent (perhaps "sassy"? ) females who can't be dominated by an episcopal burka mentality! Good grief, Charlie Brown! I think we have seen this movie before — usually there is a stake, kindling and fire involved! Forget "visitation" — 'Sounds like an inquisition to me.
Tom A and Dan, Do you have
Tom A and Dan,
Do you have nothing better to do than criticize the sisters. I am always wondering. Do you do this at work? Do you watch for this stuff? Did you get into an argument with a sister? It amazes me that the moment anything is written here in this paper it must be the sisters who are wrong. I am thinking of my Dad. He worked hard and never had time for this kind of angry criticism of people.
Dear Tom A, I wrote to Bishop
Dear Tom A,
I wrote to Bishop Leonard P. Blair, who is heading the "visitation" of the LCWR, in support of the Sisters. I just received a reply from Bishop Leonard P. Blair in which he tried to explain the DOCTRINAL ASSESSMENT (his words) of the LCWR. In addition, his letter had disingenuous explanations as to this undertaking. What his letter made clear to me is that this is an investigation, not a visitation.
We see once again that
We see once again that "sisterhood is powerful." Bravo AMOR!
Jesus I am certain based his
Jesus I am certain based his understanding of women on Genesis creation story one which says that God created man and woman in the image of God, be fruitful and multiply, creation is good. Not on the second anti-women "original sin is caused by women" story.
Why can that be claimed? Because Jesus never said women were evil Eve temptresses or that women were unworthier than men, or more evil than men or the cause of sin or the cause of the downfall of humanity.
Jesus found men and women to be both able to be apostles and disciples, and chose both married women and married men and single ones to represent, image him to the public. He chose much remarried samaria woman to represent him and the Gospel to the gentiles of Samaria, to preach and teach in public. and praised her as doing a better job of harvesting souls, being apostle than the males did.
If all of us women who feel
If all of us women who feel marginalized by the patriarchy would unite,we could effect the critical mass needed for change!!!! Bless you AMOR for your support.
How wonderful that the
How wonderful that the sisters in the USA are getting support from Asia-Oceania sisters. Pope Paul VI told the Asian Bishops when they wanted to do something contrary to what the Vatican bureaucrats wanted them to do, that they should go ahead and do what they feel is right for them. Read Pentecost in Asia and you will see that the Church in Asia is way ahead of us in the West. There is a search going on everywhere in the Church and also in the power base, but if so then please be advised that not at the expense of the sisters or the lay people who are supposed to finance the "visitation". I take strength from the women religious all over the world who work for the forgotten and the poor and do not dispair, but help each other. Thank you sisters everywhere.
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