Two New Books, One Lifelong Calling by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 

Building Communities of Welcome, Offering Prayers of Healing

For most of my life, I have been guided by one simple conviction:

Love heals. Love welcomes. Love transforms.

That conviction has shaped my ministry as a Roman Catholic woman priest and bishop, my teaching, my pastoral work, and now my two newest books.

For more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of serving communities that long for a Church where everyone belongs—a Church rooted in the radical love of Jesus, where all are welcomed, all are valued, and all are invited to share their gifts.

Along the way, I have discovered something beautiful: healing and belonging are deeply connected. When people know they are loved without conditions, something begins to change within them. Hope awakens. Wounds begin to heal. Communities become places of compassion instead of exclusion.

Those discoveries inspired my newest books.

Creating an Inclusive Catholic Community

Liturgies, Homilies and Resources

This book grew out of nearly twenty years of celebrating Eucharist in inclusive Catholic communities.

When I first dreamed of gathering people around an open table where everyone was welcome, I often wondered:

What resources would have helped me begin?

This book is my answer.

Inside you'll find practical tools for creating vibrant, Spirit-filled communities rooted in Gospel equality and radical hospitality, including:

• Inclusive liturgies for the liturgical year
• Interactive homilies
• Original prayers and blessings
• Eucharistic celebrations centered on participation
• Sacramental rites for baptisms, weddings, reconciliation, anointing, and funerals
• Practical guidance for beginning and sustaining communities where everyone belongs

Whether you are beginning a house church, leading a faith-sharing group, or seeking new ways to celebrate the Gospel, my hope is that this book reminds you of Jesus' promise:

"Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

Sometimes all it takes is two or three people—and a willingness to say yes to the Holy Spirit.

Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life

If my first new book is about building communities, this second book is about healing hearts.

Life brings grief, illness, anxiety, disappointment, heartbreak, uncertainty, and loss. Every one of us carries wounds that need tenderness and hope.

Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life is a companion for those moments.

Each chapter includes:

• A heartfelt prayer
• A gentle reflection
• A blessing to carry into daily life

These prayers are not about pretending everything is fine.

They are about discovering that Divine Love is already holding us—even when life feels uncertain.

Throughout the book I return to one simple truth:

You are healing.

You are deeply loved.

You are never alone.

Whether you read one prayer each morning, share them with someone who is suffering, or return to them during seasons of grief or transition, I hope these prayers become trusted companions on your journey toward wholeness.

My Journey

I was ordained as one of the first Roman Catholic women priests in the United States in 2006 and one of the first women bishops in North America in 2009. Today I serve as a bishop in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, Dean of the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry programs at Global Ministries University, co-founder of People's Catholic Seminary, and pastor of Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community.

I have written more than twenty books on spirituality, healing prayer, women's leadership, and inclusive Catholicism. Through my blog and media ministry, I have had the joy of connecting with millions of readers seeking a more compassionate and hope-filled expression of Christian faith.

Every article I write, every homily I preach, every blessing I offer, and every book I publish springs from the same belief:

God's love is bigger than fear.

God's table is wide enough for everyone.

Healing is already unfolding within us.

I'd Love to Connect With You

If these themes speak to your heart, I invite you to join this growing community.

Here on Substack (and on my blog), I'll continue sharing reflections on:

• Healing prayer
• Inclusive Catholic spirituality
• Women and the future of the Church
• Gospel justice
• Divine Love
• Mary Magdalene and women in Scripture
• Blessings for everyday life
• Building communities where everyone belongs

Thank you for being part of this journey.

May you always remember:

You are beloved.

You are healing.

You are called to be a blessing.

With peace and every blessing,

Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan

Learn More

📚 Author Website:
https://bridgetmarymeehan.author-pages.com/

📝 Blog:
https://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com

🌍 Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community:
www.marymotherofjesus.net

🎓 Global Ministries University:
https://www.globalministriesuniversity.org

💜 Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests:
https://www.arcwp.org

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A Prayer for America's 250th Birthday By Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 

Holy One,
Source of Life and Love,
today we give thanks

for the 250-year journey of our nation.

We celebrate the courage,
the dreams,
and the sacrifices
of those who sought freedom
and believed that a new future was possible.

Yet we also remember
that our story is unfinished.

We acknowledge the wounds of slavery,
the suffering of Indigenous peoples,
the exclusion of immigrants,
the denial of dignity to women,
the struggles of LGBTQ+ persons,
and every injustice that has prevented your dream
of justice, equality, and peace from flourishing among us.

As we gaze upon the Lady of Liberty,
may her torch become a beacon
lighting our way toward a more compassionate future.

May the words engraved beneath her feet
continue to challenge and inspire us:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...

May we become the people
who open our hearts before we open our borders,
who welcome before we judge,
who build bridges instead of walls,
and who recognize Christ
in every refugee,
every migrant,
every stranger,
every neighbor.

Teach us to create a nation
where no one is forgotten,
no one is disposable,
and no one is denied the dignity
that is the birthright of every beloved child of God.

Renew in us
the courage to speak truth,
the compassion to heal divisions,
the wisdom to protect our beautiful Earth,
and the determination
to seek justice for all.

May our churches become places of radical welcome.
May our communities become circles of belonging.
May our leaders choose dialogue over division,
service over power,
and the common good over personal gain.

As we celebrate this milestone,
may we recommit ourselves
to the dream still unfolding—
a nation where liberty is shared,
justice is lived,
peace is practiced,
and love is stronger than fear.

May the torch of freedom
shine not only from a monument in New York Harbor,
but within each of our hearts.

Bless America,
not because we are perfect,
but because your Spirit
is always inviting us
to become more loving,
more just,
more compassionate,
and more faithful
to the sacred dignity of every person.

Together,
may we continue building
the beloved community
where all are welcome,
all are valued,
and all belong.

Amen.

Faith, community, Healing - Live the Gospel, Be the Blessings- Two Inspiring Books for a More, inclusive, and hope-filled Church and world

 

Comparing Vatican Treatment of Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) and Roman Catholic Women Priests by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 

Even after repeated schismatic acts, the Vatican continued to engage SSPX in dialogue for nearly forty years, whereas RCWP has never been granted a formal dialogue despite repeatedly requesting one!

Comparing Vatican Treatment of SSPX and RCWP

The Vatican’s response to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) in July 2026 highlights both its willingness to enforce canon law and its longstanding commitment to dialogue with traditionalist groups. On July 2, 2026, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith declared that Bishops Alfonso de Galarreta and Bernard Fellay, together with the four bishops they illicitly consecrated—Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier—had incurred latae sententiae excommunication for proceeding with episcopal consecrations without a pontifical mandate. The decree further warned clergy and lay faithful against formally adhering to what it described as the SSPX’s schism.¹

Yet the decree also acknowledged a remarkable fact: despite decades of doctrinal disagreement, the Holy See had engaged in sustained discussions with the SSPX “since the time of St. Paul VI” in an effort to restore full communion. Before the July 1 consecrations, Pope Leo XIV personally appealed to the society not to proceed, writing, “In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: Please turn back.” Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin likewise characterized the consecrations as a schismatic act while continuing to frame the relationship in terms of reconciliation rather than permanent rupture.²

The Vatican’s commitment to dialogue with SSPX spans nearly four decades. Following Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s illicit episcopal consecrations in 1988, Pope John Paul II declared that the bishops involved had incurred automatic excommunication but simultaneously established the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei to foster reconciliation with those wishing to remain in communion with Rome. Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications of the surviving bishops in 2009 as a gesture toward reconciliation. Pope Francis continued this pastoral outreach by granting SSPX priests faculties to validly hear confessions during the Jubilee Year of Mercy and later extending those faculties indefinitely, as well as permitting SSPX priests to witness marriages under specified conditions. Even after the new illicit episcopal consecrations in 2026, the Vatican’s own explanatory note recognized the long history of dialogue that has characterized its relationship with the SSPX.

The experience of the Roman Catholic Women Priests (RCWP) movement stands in marked contrast. Since the ordination of the Danube Seven in 2002, RCWP has consistently sought respectful dialogue with the Vatican concerning women’s vocation to ordained ministry and the lived experience of inclusive Catholic communities. Those requests have never resulted in a formal conversation.

Instead, the Vatican has responded almost exclusively through canonical sanctions. Women who attempt to receive ordination, together with those who attempt to ordain them, incur automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See under Canon 1379 §3.³ Unlike the Vatican’s decades-long engagement with the SSPX, no comparable process of theological dialogue, canonical negotiation, or pastoral reconciliation has been extended to RCWP.

This contrast raises an important ecclesiological question. Why has the institutional Church devoted decades to dialogue with a movement that rejects significant teachings of the Second Vatican Council while declining even a single official dialogue with women who seek to serve the Church through ordained ministry? RCWP does not seek separation from the Catholic Church. Rather, it seeks recognition that the Holy Spirit continues to call women to priestly ministry and that the gifts of women belong at the heart of the Church’s sacramental life.

Notes

1. Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia Dei adflicta (1988); the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei was established to foster reconciliation with those associated with the SSPX. Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications of the four surviving SSPX bishops in 2009 as a gesture toward reconciliation, and dialogue continued under subsequent pontificates.
2. Code of Canon Law (2021 revision), Canon 1379 §3: “Both a person who attempts to confer a sacred order on a woman, and the woman who attempts to receive the sacred order, incur a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See.”
3. See Normae de gravioribus delictis (2010) and the 2021 revision of Book VI of the Code of Canon Law. The offenses are grouped procedurally under the authority of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith; this juridical classification does not necessarily imply moral equivalence, although it has been widely criticized by advocates of women’s ordination.

A Gentle Invitation to Healing, Hope, and Blessing- a 2 minute video from Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 https://youtu.be/fK4aY0ttf8g

Dear Friends,

I invite you to take a few quiet moments to watch my new YouTube reflection on healing, hope, and blessing.

https://youtu.be/fK4aY0ttf8g

Life brings each of us seasons of grief, anxiety, illness, uncertainty, and change. During those times, we all need a gentle reminder that we are not alone.

The heart of this reflection—and of my new book—is simple:

You are not alone.
You are deeply loved.
You are healing, even when the journey feels slow.

Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life grew out of many years of pastoral ministry, spiritual accompaniment, and my own journey through life's joys and sorrows. I have seen again and again that prayer doesn't offer easy answers—it opens our hearts to the loving Presence that walks with us every step of the way.

Whether you are carrying grief, healing emotional wounds, facing health challenges, seeking peace, or simply longing for renewed hope, I hope these prayers and blessings will be a companion on your journey.

Healing isn't about becoming someone else. It is about becoming more fully the beloved person God created you to be.

If this reflection speaks to your heart, I would be grateful if you would like, share, or leave a comment. Your sharing may bring hope to someone who needs it today.

Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life is available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Prayers-Blessings-Everyday-Life-ebook/dp/B0H5FNP9R1

May you be healed.
May you be blessed.
May you always know that you are deeply loved.

— Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan

Healing Begins with One Small Step: Finding Peace, Renewal and Strength Each Day by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

In my new book, Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life,

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Prayers-Blessings-Everyday-Life-ebook/dp/B0H5FNP9R1

I invite readers to discover that healing is not something we must earn. It is a sacred journey of opening ourselves to the Divine Love that has always been surrounding us and living within us.

Each New Day: Anchor Your Mind and Spirit

Begin your morning with words of blessing rather than worry.

Speak affirmations that remind you:

"I am held in Divine Love."

"Peace lives within me."

"Today I choose hope."

Spend a few quiet minutes in prayer, meditation, or journaling. Listen for the still, gentle voice of God that whispers encouragement beneath the noise of daily life.

Before you end your day, write down three moments of gratitude. Gratitude gently shifts our attention from what is missing to the countless gifts already surrounding us.

And whenever possible, release resentment before it takes root. Forgiveness is not forgetting; it is choosing freedom for your own heart...

https://bridgetmarymeehan.substack.com/p/healing-begins-with-one-small-step

Media Release for New Books- Creating an Inclusive Catholic Community and Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 

Graphic generated by Chat GPT

Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan: A Voice of Hope, Healing, and Renewal

For more than two decades, Bridget Mary Meehan has been inspiring people around the world with a message that is both simple and transformative: God's love includes everyone.

An internationally known Roman Catholic Woman Priest, bishop, spiritual teacher, and bestselling author, Bridget Mary has dedicated her life to creating communities where all are welcomed, all are valued, and all are invited to share their gifts. Born in Ireland and living in the United States since childhood, she combines the wisdom of Celtic spirituality, the compassion of pastoral ministry, and a passionate commitment to justice and equality.

As a leader in the international women priests movement, co-founder of People's Catholic Seminary, and pastor of inclusive faith communities, Bridget Mary has touched countless lives through her preaching, teaching, retreats, and writings. Her blog has reached millions of readers worldwide, offering encouragement, hope, and a vision of a renewed Church rooted in love and radical hospitality. Her work is connected with the broader movement of Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests and the international women priests movement. 

Now, in two powerful new books, Bridget Mary invites readers to experience healing, spiritual renewal, and a fresh vision of Christian community.

 Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Prayers-Blessings-Everyday-Life-ebook/dp/B0H5FNP9R1

When life hurts, healing begins with love.

Whether you are grieving a loss, facing uncertainty, struggling with anxiety, healing from a broken relationship, caring for a loved one, or simply longing for inner peace, this uplifting collection offers a companion for the journey.

Filled with heartfelt prayers, inspiring reflections, and gentle blessings, Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life reminds readers that they are never alone. Written in Bridget Mary's warm and compassionate voice, these prayers speak to real-life struggles while opening the heart to the healing presence of Divine Love.

This is more than a prayer book. It is an invitation to discover hope in difficult times, strength in moments of weakness, and the sacred blessing hidden within every season of life.

Perfect for:

• • Personal prayer and meditation 
• • Grief and loss support 
• • Healing emotional wounds 
• • Spiritual growth and renewal 
• • Daily inspiration and encouragement 

Creating an Inclusive Catholic Community: Liturgies, Homilies, Blessings and Resources

https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Inclusive-Catholic-Community-Liturgies-ebook/dp/B0GY6JLNBB

You don't need a cathedral—only a few hearts willing to gather in love.

Drawing on twenty years of experience building vibrant inclusive Catholic communities, Bridget Mary offers a practical and inspiring guide for anyone seeking a more welcoming and participatory Church.

This unique resource includes liturgies, homilies, prayers, blessings, Eucharistic celebrations, sacramental rites, seasonal services, and community-building tools rooted in the vision of Jesus' discipleship of equals.

Whether you are part of an established faith community, a house church, a small group, or simply dreaming of a more inclusive Church, this book provides the resources and inspiration to bring that vision to life.

Readers will discover:

• • Inclusive liturgies and Eucharistic celebrations 
• • Interactive homily models 
• • Community prayers and statements of faith 
• • Sacramental rites and blessings 
• • Resources for creating welcoming communities 
• • Practical wisdom for shared leadership and consensus decision-making 

This book is both a spiritual resource and a roadmap for building communities where everyone has a place at God's table.

A Message for Today's World

In a time when many people are searching for spiritual meaning, authentic community, and a faith that reflects the boundless love of God, Bridget Mary's new books offer exactly that: healing for the heart and hope for the future.

Whether you are seeking personal healing, spiritual nourishment, or a renewed vision of Church, these books will inspire you to embrace the truth at the center of Bridget Mary's ministry:

You are loved.
You are blessed.
You belong.
And there is always room for you at God's table.

T

A Dream Around a Kitchen Table: The Story of Global Ministries University by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan

More than twenty-five years ago, three colleagues and friends—Gerry Grudzen, Bill Manseau, and I—found ourselves gathered around a kitchen table during the annual meeting of the Federation of Christian Ministries. What began as a conversation among passionate ministers soon became the seed of a vision that would touch the lives of students and faith communities around the world.

At the time, we recognized a growing need. Many gifted women and men felt called to ministry but lacked access to affordable, relevant theological education. Traditional seminaries were often expensive, geographically inaccessible, or rooted in models that no longer addressed the realities of contemporary ministry. The world was changing rapidly. Communities were becoming increasingly multicultural, interfaith relationships were expanding, and new forms of ministry were emerging beyond the walls of institutional churches.

We dreamed of creating something different.

Around that kitchen table, we imagined a “university without walls”—a place where students could receive excellent theological and pastoral formation regardless of where they lived. We envisioned an educational community that would honor diverse spiritual traditions, encourage critical thinking, and prepare leaders to serve in a world marked by cultural diversity, religious pluralism, and a deep hunger for compassion and justice.

Our dream was rooted in a simple but powerful belief: theological education should be accessible to everyone who feels called to serve. We believed that ministry formation should not be limited by financial barriers, denominational boundaries, or geographic distance. We wanted students to engage contemporary theology, pastoral practice, spirituality, social justice, and interfaith dialogue in ways that were both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to real-life ministry.

Like many dreams inspired by the Spirit, what seemed impossible at first gradually became possible.

Through countless hours of planning, collaboration, and prayer, Global Ministries University was born. What began as an idea shared among friends evolved into an innovative educational institution serving students from many countries, cultures, and faith backgrounds. Long before online learning became commonplace, GMU embraced distance education as a way of building a global learning community.

Over the years, GMU has educated pastors, chaplains, spiritual directors, community leaders, educators, and ministers serving in a wide variety of contexts. Students have come from Christian traditions, interfaith communities, and independent ministries. Many have entered the program carrying years of practical experience but seeking deeper theological grounding and pastoral skills. Others have discovered their vocation through their studies and gone on to create transformative ministries in their own communities.

One of the gifts of GMU has been its commitment to honoring the wisdom students bring with them. Education is not merely the transfer of information from professor to student. Rather, it is a sacred conversation in which everyone teaches and everyone learns. Faculty and students alike become companions on a journey of discovery, exploring together the questions, challenges, and opportunities facing faith communities in our time.

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for Gerry Grudzen and Bill Mansesu, whose vision, creativity, and dedication helped bring this dream into being. None of us could have imagined all that would unfold from that simple conversation around a kitchen table. Yet perhaps this is how the Spirit often works—beginning not with grand institutions or elaborate plans, but with people willing to dream together about what might be possible.

The story of Global Ministries University reminds me of Jesus’ words: “Where two or three are gathered together…” Great movements often begin with small gatherings of people who dare to imagine a different future.

What started as a conversation became a community. What began as a dream became a university. And what was born around a kitchen table continues to equip leaders who are bringing compassion, justice, wisdom, and hope into a changing world.

For me, that remains one of the most beautiful lessons of this journey: never underestimate what can happen when people gather in faith, share a vision, and trust the Spirit to guide the way forward.

https://www.globalministriesuniversity.org/gmu-receives-full-accreditation-from-eahea/

A Blessing for Our Nation on the 250th Anniversary of the United States by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

 https://open.substack.com/pub/bridgetmarymeehan/p/a-blessing-for-our-nation-on-the?r=2kfqor&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

God of Boundless Love,

On this 250th anniversary of our nation, we pause with grateful hearts for all who dreamed of liberty, worked for justice, and sacrificed so future generations might live in freedom.

We give thanks for the rich tapestry of peoples, cultures, languages, and traditions that have shaped this land. We celebrate the countless ordinary heroes who have cared for neighbors, welcomed strangers, defended human dignity, healed the sick, taught the young, protected creation, and worked tirelessly for the common good.

At the same time, we remember with humility that our history is both inspiring and unfinished. We acknowledge the wounds carried by Indigenous peoples, the enduring legacy of slavery and racism, the pain of exclusion, violence, inequality, and every time we have failed to honor the sacred worth of one another.

May this anniversary not simply celebrate where we have been, but inspire who we are becoming.

Bless our nation with leaders whose hearts are guided by wisdom rather than fear, by compassion rather than division, and by justice rather than privilege.

Bless every family seeking security, every child longing for opportunity, every elder deserving dignity, every immigrant searching for welcome, every veteran yearning for peace, every person struggling with poverty, illness, loneliness, or despair.

May we remember that our greatest strength is found not in power, but in our willingness to care for one another as members of one human family.

Open our hearts to become bridge-builders instead of wall-builders, peacemakers instead of enemies, listeners instead of judges, healers instead of wounders.

May we cherish our beautiful Earth, protect its waters and forests, safeguard future generations, and live with reverence for all creation.

May our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and all communities of faith become beacons of hope where every person is welcomed, every voice is valued, and every table reflects your radical hospitality.

May the Spirit continue to stir within us the courage to create a nation where liberty embraces equality, justice walks hand in hand with mercy, and love is stronger than hatred.

As we begin the next chapter of our shared journey, may we become ever more fully the people you dream us to be—a nation where every child knows they are beloved, every neighbor belongs, and every life is treated as sacred.

And may Divine Love bless the United States of America with wisdom for the journey, courage for the challenges ahead, and joy in building together a more compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful future for all.

Amen.

Prayer for New Birthings of Your Spirit by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

https://substack.com/@bridgetmarymeehan/note/p-204089324?r=2kfqor&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

…. Jesus compared the reign of God to seeds growing secretly, yeast rising unseen, and new wine bursting old wineskins. Divine transformation rarely arrives with fanfare. More often, it unfolds quietly—in ordinary hearts willing to say “yes.”

Throughout Scripture, God delights in surprising us with new beginnings.

Sarah laughed before she gave birth.

Moses doubted before leading liberation.

Mary questioned before saying, “Let it be.”

Mary Magdalene wept before becoming the first witness of resurrection.

The disciples hid behind locked doors before Pentecost set their hearts ablaze.

Again and again, God creates new life where others see only endings.

Perhaps that is the invitation before us today.

Rather than mourning what is passing away, we are called to notice what is being born.

New ways of being Church.

New expressions of community.

New understandings of God.

New partnerships rooted in equality.

New ministries shaped by shared leadership.

New dreams that reflect the radical hospitality of Jesus.

The Spirit has never been confined to institutions, buildings, or rules. Like the wind, the Spirit blows wherever Love longs to flourish.

As members of inclusive Catholic communities and the worldwide Roman Catholic Women Priests movement, we have witnessed these new birthings firsthand. We have seen communities blossom in living rooms, online gatherings, rented spaces, and around kitchen tables. We have celebrated sacraments with those once excluded. We have watched hope rise where despair once lived…

A Prophetic Declaration for our Time, Thank You, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, from Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

As our nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) has issued  an inspiring commemorative statement.

They have offered a Declaration of Commitment rooted in the Gospel.

Reading their declaration, I found myself filled with gratitude and hope. For nearly three centuries, Catholic sisters have been among the most courageous witnesses to God’s compassionate love in our nation. They educated children when few schools existed. They cared for the sick during epidemics. They welcomed immigrants, stood with the poor, advocated for justice, and quietly transformed countless lives through their faithful service.

Their ministries have always proclaimed a simple yet profound truth: every person bears the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity.

That conviction shines throughout this beautiful declaration.

LCWR commits itself to upholding the dignity of every human being, welcoming immigrants, dismantling racism, caring for Earth, alleviating poverty, rejecting violence, protecting voting rights, and promoting dialogue over division.

This is the Gospel.

Jesus consistently crossed boundaries to embrace those whom society rejected. He welcomed strangers, healed the marginalized, challenged systems of exclusion, and proclaimed God’s reign as one of justice, mercy, compassion, and peace.

LCWR reminds us that authentic discipleship always bears fruit in courageous action.

I was especially moved by these words:

“We pledge to live our call to be courageous witnesses of love—refusing to surrender our moral authority or succumb to despair.”

What a powerful commitment for our times.

As a Roman Catholic Woman Priest in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priest and as a member of the Sisters for Christian Community, I stand in deep solidarity with these remarkable women. Like so many others, my own ministry has been shaped by generations of Catholic sisters whose lives demonstrated that fidelity to the Gospel sometimes requires the courage to challenge unjust structures.

Although the Sisters for Christian Community is not a member congregation of LCWR, we share the same Gospel values and prophetic commitment to justice, peace, equality, and compassionate service. Our community was founded on the vision that all people are called to live the Gospel fully, wherever the Spirit leads. Like LCWR, we believe religious life is not defined primarily by institutions but by faithful discipleship and courageous love.

Many of us serving in inclusive Catholic communities today are walking paths first opened by courageous women religious. They taught us that prayer leads to action, that compassion demands justice, and that love is stronger than fear.

Their witness continues to inspire those of us working for a renewed Church where all are welcomed, all are valued, and all are invited to serve according to their God-given gifts.

Yet as I read this declaration, I could not help but notice something both hopeful and unfinished.

LCWR beautifully affirms the dignity of every person and supports “every person’s journey toward the fullness of their humanity.”

I rejoice in that affirmation.

At the same time, I pray that one day our Church will fully recognize that this journey toward human flourishing includes the complete equality of women in every aspect of ecclesial life and ministry.

Women religious have led schools, hospitals, universities, retreat centers, justice ministries, and humanitarian efforts around the globe. They have been among the Church’s finest theologians, spiritual directors, educators, healers, and prophets.

Imagine what blessings would unfold if the institutional Church fully embraced women’s gifts in ordained ministry as well.

Across the world, Roman Catholic Women Priests are already serving vibrant faith communities. We celebrate the sacraments, accompany people through life’s joys and sorrows, preach the Gospel, and build communities rooted in shared leadership, justice, compassion, and equality.

Like the sisters of LCWR and communities such as the Sisters for Christian Community, we seek not privilege but faithful service. We are companions in the work of building God’s reign of justice, inclusion, and peace.

Our ministries arise from the same Spirit who has empowered courageous women throughout Christian history—from Mary Magdalene, the first witness to the Resurrection, to Phoebe the deacon, Prisca the teacher, Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, Dorothy Day, and the countless unnamed women whose faith has sustained the Church across the centuries.

The Holy Spirit has never stopped calling women.

Nor has the Holy Spirit stopped speaking through them.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, may we celebrate not only our history but also our future.

May we become a nation where every person’s dignity is protected- a nation with “liberty and justice for all.”

May we become a Church where every baptized person can respond freely to God’s call.

May we continue building communities rooted not in fear, hierarchy, or exclusion, but in the radical hospitality of Jesus.

Thank you, LCWR, for reminding us that hope is more than optimism. Hope is courageous love made visible. Hope is trusting that the Spirit continues to lead us into all truth.

And the Spirit, as always, is still speaking.