by Laura Beth Bugg
Oct. 22, 2010
.... Roman Catholic Womenpriests, a movement for women's ordination that began in 2002, supervised the ordination. Since that time nearly 100 women worldwide have been ordained, although none have been recognised by the church.
These are not women who wish to break off from the church; they want to reimagine it...
As St Mary's celebration recedes, there is already talk of another Josephite, Sister Irene McCormack, becoming Australia's next saint.
"Sister McCormack lived and worked among the poor in a remote village in Peru. When the male priests left the village because of threats of violence, Sister McCormack stayed. She and a fellow sister led communion, celebrated the Eucharist, and performed weddings and baptisms. "
Bridget Mary's reflection:
I sincerely hope that Sister McCormack is Australia's next saint. Her courage to stay with the people and serve as their "unofficial priest" led to her execution by a military group.
Indeed as Professor Laura Bugg concludes it is time for the next generation to stand up, claim their authority and address the hierarchy "on matters concerning the good of the church" as Vatican ll mandated. The future of the church is in our hands and we are called to live the Gospel of justice and equality now. Let us be grateful for holy women like St. Mary Mackillop and Sister Irene McCormack who have gone before us as role models of courage in living their vocations- Mother Mary was not deterred by a bishop's excommuniction, Sr. Irene ministered as a priest in spite of great danger. Those who live justice and speak for the equality of women in our church and world are the voices of God in our time.
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