Thirty-five
years ago, on October 7, 1989, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in Washington, DC, Theresa Kane, Sister of Mercy, offered her
gracious, generous welcome to Pope John Paul II on behalf of U.S. women
religious on the occasion of his first visit to the United States. Her prophetic
words bear rereading on this anniversary:
"As I
share this privileged moment with you, Your Holiness, I urge you to be mindful
of the intense suffering and pain which is part of the life of many women in
these United States. I call upon you to listen with compassion and to hear the
call of women who comprise half of humankind.
As women
we have heard the powerful messages of our Church addressing the dignity and
reverence for all persons. As women we have pondered upon these words. Our
contemplation leads us to state that the Church in its struggle to be faithful
to its call for reverence and dignity for all persons must respond by providing
the possibility of women as persons being included in all ministries of our
Church.
I
urge you, Your Holiness, to be open to and respond to the voices coming from the
women of this country who are desirous of serving in and through the Church as
fully participating members."
The Pope
and Vatican officials responded negatively to what were then and remain now
strong and clear words spoken by a woman who dared to act as an equal member in
a biased church. Theresa inspired many women to do the same, planting seeds of
feminist ministry and encouraging robust spirituality despite subsequent decades
of continued discrimination and oppression. Seizing her moment, and doing so
with such dignity and grace, Theresa Kane became an embodiment of full
personhood.
WATER
thanks and celebrates Theresa for her courage and
integrity.
Join us
on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, 1 PM EDT, for a special WATERtalk, "Making
History, Making Change: A Conversation with Theresa Kane." We will
reflect together on the historical importance of the event, the many
repercussions that followed, including the current problems that American nuns
and other lay people experience with the Roman Catholic Church. We will envision
together what lies ahead for those who embrace a commitment to equality. Please
register here: http://www.waterwomensalliance.org/watertalk-with-theresa-kane-registration/
Feel free to email Cathy at mailto:waterstaff@hers.com?subject=Register%20Me%20Teleconference
if you have any trouble registering or need more information. Thank
you!
Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual
(WATER)
8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 310
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.589.2509
www.waterwomensalliance.org
Donate to WATER!
8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 310
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.589.2509
www.waterwomensalliance.org
Donate to WATER!
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