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Interview: Soonabook
Now, wouldn't that be something!
As a Roman Catholic woman priest and bishop for twenty years, I have spent much of my ministry challenging the Church's exclusion of women from ordained ministry. I've experienced the joy of ordaining women, the pain of rejection by Church authorities, and the wonderful surprises that happen when we follow the Holy Spirit into uncharted territory.
I remembered my own visits to the Vatican, including one memorable encounter with Vatican police who checked my identification as I entered St. Peter's Square after I had ordained women on the Tiber River in Rome. Our ordinations had made international news! That experience certainly gave my imagination something to work with!Then Brigid O'Malley appeared in my imagination!
And so The Vatican Invitation was born—from my love of mystery, my Irish roots, my passion for women's equality, and one irresistible question: What if the Vatican discovered that a woman priest was exactly the person they needed?
And knowing Brigid O'Malley, I suspect the Vatican would never be quite the same again!
As I reflected on the stories of women like Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, and Junia, I realized that The Vatican Invitation could be more than an entertaining mystery. It could also invite readers to imagine what might happen if some long-buried truths about women's leadership in the Church came to light.
That delicious irony was part of the fun of writing The Vatican Invitation!
Readers may also be surprised by Brigid O'Malley herself. She is a woman of deep faith, but she is certainly no shrinking violet! With her Irish wit, determination, and healthy dose of holy mischief, she has a wonderful way of asking questions that powerful people would rather avoid.
the sequel to The Vatican Invitation!
This time, Brigid O'Malley returns to her beloved Ireland, where she looks forward to visiting relatives near Rathdowney in County Laois, enjoying Irish hospitality, and perhaps finding a little peace and quiet after her Vatican adventures.
But anyone who knows Brigid will tell you that peace and quiet are not usually on her itinerary!
https://www.soonabook.com/interviews/bridget-mary-meehan-the-vatican-invitation-2660/
What inspired you to write The Vatican Invitation?
The original idea for The Vatican Invitation came from a delightful question that popped into my imagination: What if the Vatican invited a Roman Catholic woman priest to Rome—not to condemn her, but because they actually needed her help?
Now, wouldn't that be something!
As a Roman Catholic woman priest and bishop for twenty years, I have spent much of my ministry challenging the Church's exclusion of women from ordained ministry. I've experienced the joy of ordaining women, the pain of rejection by Church authorities, and the wonderful surprises that happen when we follow the Holy Spirit into uncharted territory.
I remembered my own visits to the Vatican, including one memorable encounter with Vatican police who checked my identification as I entered St. Peter's Square after I had ordained women on the Tiber River in Rome. Our ordinations had made international news! That experience certainly gave my imagination something to work with!Then Brigid O'Malley appeared in my imagination!
What was the original idea that sparked The Vatican Invitation?
Brigid O'Malley came to life in my imagination—a spirited Irish woman priest with a courageous heart, a quick wit, and a healthy dose of holy mischief. I could just picture her walking into the Vatican, asking questions that powerful officials would rather avoid, and discovering secrets that could change everything.
I wanted to write a story that would entertain readers, keep them guessing, make them laugh, and perhaps inspire them to imagine new possibilities for the Catholic Church.
And so The Vatican Invitation was born—from my love of mystery, my Irish roots, my passion for women's equality, and one irresistible question: What if the Vatican discovered that a woman priest was exactly the person they needed?
And knowing Brigid O'Malley, I suspect the Vatican would never be quite the same again!
What can readers expect from The Vatican Invitation that they might not expect?
Readers might expect The Vatican Invitation to be a serious story about religion, church politics, and women's ordination. But surprise! They're in for a lively mystery filled with suspense, unexpected twists, Irish humor, and a generous helping of holy mischief!
At the heart of the story is Brigid O'Malley, a courageous Irish woman priest who receives a mysterious invitation to the Vatican. She's a woman of deep faith, but she's certainly no shrinking violet! Brigid has a quick wit, a curious mind, and a wonderful talent for asking questions that powerful church officials would rather avoid.
Readers may not expect how much fun they'll have following her adventures. Yes, there are Vatican secrets, intrigue, and serious questions about faith, power, and women's equality. But there are also delightful moments of humor, friendship, and surprising discoveries.
How would you describe The Vatican Invitation in three words?
Faith, Courage, Hope
Was there a particular character in The Vatican Invitation who was especially interesting to write?
Absolutely! Brigid O’Malley was my favorite character to write about!
I loved bringing her to life because she combines deep faith with a healthy dose of Irish mischief. She is not afraid to challenge authority, especially when justice and equality are at stake. And she certainly knows how to get herself into trouble!
In many ways, Brigid reflects my own journey as a woman priest. Like me, she believes that the Holy Spirit has a delightful habit of upsetting the status quo!
What I love most about Brigid is that she refuses to be silenced—and she manages to keep her sense of humor even when the Vatican's secrets become dangerous!
Did any of the characters or events develop differently than you originally planned?
Yes! Brigid O’Malley surprised me as the story unfolded! I originally imagined her as a courageous Irish woman priest who receives a mysterious invitation to the Vatican. But as I wrote, she became even more outspoken, adventurous, and delightfully mischievous than I had planned!
Another wonderful surprise was the Phoebe Invitation! What surprised me most was how the mystery became more than a story about Vatican secrets. It evolved into a story about courage, friendship, faith, the rediscovery of women's spiritual heritage, and the power of ordinary, wonderful women to bring about change and even a new beginning in the midst of Vatican intrigue!
What was the most challenging part of writing The Vatican Invitation?
The most challenging part of writing The Vatican Invitation was finding the right balance between mystery, suspense, faith, and humor while creating a story that would keep readers turning the pages!
As a woman priest who has spent many years challenging gender inequality in the Catholic Church, I wanted to weave some of my own experiences into Brigid O’Malley’s adventures without turning the novel into a sermon. After all, readers came for a mystery, not a three-hour homily!
I also wanted Brigid to be a believable, courageous, and lovable character—someone who could confront powerful Vatican officials, uncover secrets, and still find something to laugh about over a good cup of Irish tea!Perhaps my greatest challenge was allowing the characters to surprise me and letting the story unfold in unexpected ways.In the end, I discovered that writing a mystery is a little like following the Holy Spirit. You never know exactly where you are going, but you can be sure there will be surprises!
Was there a particular scene in The Vatican Invitation that you especially enjoyed writing?
One scene I especially enjoyed writing was Brigid O’Malley’s encounter with powerful Vatican officials who weren't quite prepared for an outspoken Irish woman priest with a sharp wit, a courageous heart, and no intention of being intimidated!
I loved imagining Brigid walking through the magnificent halls of the Vatican, surrounded by centuries of tradition, mystery, and male authority, while quietly wondering what Jesus would make of it all!
What delighted me most was Brigid’s ability to ask uncomfortable questions with a twinkle in her eye. She respects faith and tradition, but she is not afraid to challenge injustice or question those who confuse power with holiness.
As a woman priest myself, I had great fun imagining those conversations. I may even have borrowed a little from my own experiences!
After all, when an Irish woman priest enters the Vatican with the Holy Spirit at her side and a little holy mischief in her heart, anything can happen!
How much research went into The Vatican Invitation?
Writing The Vatican Invitation drew on a lifetime of research, theological study, and personal experience as a Roman Catholic woman priest and bishop. In many ways, I have been preparing to write this book for most of my life!
I have spent decades studying Catholic theology, Church history, and the often-overlooked contributions of women in early Christianity. I have written four books on women: The Impossible Circle, Praying with Women of the Bible, Praying with Visionary Women, and Praying with Celtic Holy Women. One of the most fascinating areas of research was the ministry of Phoebe, whom St. Paul identifies as a deacon of the church at Cenchreae in Romans 16:1–2. Her story became an important inspiration for the mystery.
Did anything you discovered during your research change the direction of the story?
Yes! One of the most fascinating discoveries was how much of the Catholic Church's history of women in leadership has been forgotten, overlooked, or pushed into the shadows.
As I reflected on the stories of women like Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, and Junia, I realized that The Vatican Invitation could be more than an entertaining mystery. It could also invite readers to imagine what might happen if some long-buried truths about women's leadership in the Church came to light.
What themes or ideas did you want readers to take away from The Vatican Invitation?
A Little Holy Mischief Can Go a Long Way!
One of the joys of writing this novel was creating Brigid O'Malley.
She is not a perfect heroine. She asks questions, challenges assumptions, takes risks, and occasionally finds herself in situations where a more cautious woman might have stayed home and enjoyed a nice cup of tea.
But where would the adventure be in that?
Brigid believes that faith and courage belong together. She also knows the Holy Spirit sometimes works through unexpected people, especially those overlooked or underestimated.
I have always believed that God has a sense of humor.
After all, who would have imagined that an Irish-born woman who grew up praying the rosary with her family would one day become a Roman Catholic woman priest and bishop—and then write a Vatican murder mystery?
My mother, who had mountain-moving faith, might have smiled and said, "Well, Allanah Mac Croi ( Irish for child of my heart), God certainly works in mysterious ways!"
Was there a particular message you hoped to communicate through the story?
More Than a Mystery: A Story of Hope
Beneath the suspense, secrets, and unexpected dangers, The Vatican Invitation is ultimately a story about hope.
It celebrates women who refuse to be silenced, friendships that cross boundaries, and the courage to speak the truth, even when it comes at a cost.
It also reminds us that the Church's future does not belong exclusively to those in positions of authority. The Spirit speaks through ordinary people, courageous reformers, faithful questioners, and women who refuse to give up on their dreams. Sometimes the most important doors open because someone finally dares to turn the handle. And sometimes someone pulls up another chair and says, "There's room for you at this table!"
How did you approach creating the setting and atmosphere of The Vatican Invitation?
In creating the atmosphere, I wanted readers to experience both the grandeur and the intrigue of this extraordinary setting. I imagined shadowy corridors, magnificent chapels, whispered conversations, and powerful officials guarding secrets. Against this backdrop, I placed Brigid O'Malley, my courageous Irish woman priest, who is not easily impressed by titles, fancy robes, or intimidating surroundings.
I also wanted to balance suspense with warmth and Irish humor. Brigid has a wonderful ability to find something amusing even in the most serious situations. After all, when you are surrounded by centuries of male authority, a little holy mischief can be a spiritual gift!
What makes The Vatican Invitation different from your previous work?
The Vatican Invitation is a delightful departure from my previous books because it is a mystery novel filled with suspense, unexpected twists, Irish humor, and a generous helping of holy mischief!
Most of my earlier books have focused on spirituality, prayer, healing, women's leadership in the Church, and the movement for gender equality in Catholic ministry. In books like Healing Prayers and Blessings for Everyday Life and The Impossible Circle: Encounters with Holy Women in the Bible, I invite readers to experience God's love and discover the courage of women who have transformed our faith tradition.
Did you have a specific type of reader in mind while writing The Vatican Invitation?
Yes! I imagined readers who love a good mystery, enjoy unexpected twists, appreciate a little Irish humor, and aren't afraid to ask questions about faith, tradition, and the way things have always been done.
I especially had in mind women and men who care deeply about their Catholic faith but sometimes find themselves wondering why the Church has been so slow to embrace women's equality. I wanted to give them a story that would make them smile, keep them guessing, and perhaps inspire them to imagine new possibilities.
What do you think readers will find most surprising about The Vatican Invitation?
iI think readers will be most surprised by the idea that a Roman Catholic woman priest could find herself at the center of a Vatican mystery—and that the very institution that refuses to recognize her priesthood might actually need her courage, wisdom, and help!
That delicious irony was part of the fun of writing The Vatican Invitation!
Readers may also be surprised by Brigid O'Malley herself. She is a woman of deep faith, but she is certainly no shrinking violet! With her Irish wit, determination, and healthy dose of holy mischief, she has a wonderful way of asking questions that powerful people would rather avoid.
Was there anything you learned about writing while working on The Vatican Invitation?
After writing more than twenty books over the years, mostly about spirituality, prayer, and women's equality in the Church, I discovered how much fun it is to write a mystery. I learned to let suspense build, allow unexpected twists to develop, and trust my imagination to take me places I hadn't originally planned.
One of my biggest discoveries was learning to give my characters room to surprise me. Brigid O'Malley, my spirited Irish woman priest, quickly developed a personality of her own. She became bolder, funnier, and more adventurous as the story unfolded. At times, I felt as though I was simply following her around Rome, wondering what trouble she would get into next!
What was the most rewarding part of completing The Vatican Invitation?
The most rewarding part of completing The Vatican Invitation was discovering that, after writing more than twenty books, I could still surprise myself by trying something entirely new!
For most of my writing life, I have focused on spirituality, prayer, healing, and women's equality in the Catholic Church. Writing a mystery novel gave me the freedom to explore these passions in a completely different way—with suspense, unexpected twists, Irish humor, and a generous helping of holy mischief!
I especially loved bringing Brigid O'Malley to life. She is a courageous Irish woman priest who loves her faith, refuses to be intimidated by powerful church officials, and knows that sometimes a good laugh is the best response to an impossible situation. I grew quite fond of her. In fact, by the time I finished the book, she felt like an old friend I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to!
If readers could know one thing before picking up The Vatican Invitation, what would you want them to know?
I would want readers to know that The Vatican Invitation is, first and foremost, a fun, suspenseful mystery filled with unexpected twists, Irish humor, and a generous helping of holy mischief!
You don't have to be Catholic, know anything about the Vatican, or agree with my views about women's ordination to enjoy this adventure. All you need is a love of a good story and a willingness to follow Brigid O'Malley, a courageous Irish woman priest who has a wonderful talent for getting into trouble with powerful people!
I hope readers will fall in love with Brigid's courage, her deep faith, her quick wit, and her refusal to be silenced. f there is one thing I hope readers remember, it is this: Never underestimate a woman with a courageous heart, a lively sense of humor, and the Holy Spirit on her side!
You don't have to be Catholic, know anything about the Vatican, or agree with my views about women's ordination to enjoy this adventure. All you need is a love of a good story and a willingness to follow Brigid O'Malley, a courageous Irish woman priest who has a wonderful talent for getting into trouble with powerful people!
I hope readers will fall in love with Brigid's courage, her deep faith, her quick wit, and her refusal to be silenced. f there is one thing I hope readers remember, it is this: Never underestimate a woman with a courageous heart, a lively sense of humor, and the Holy Spirit on her side!
What can readers look forward to from you next?
Readers can look forward to more mystery, adventure, Irish humor, and holy mischief in my next novel, The Kildare Manusy,
the sequel to The Vatican Invitation!
This time, Brigid O'Malley returns to her beloved Ireland, where she looks forward to visiting relatives near Rathdowney in County Laois, enjoying Irish hospitality, and perhaps finding a little peace and quiet after her Vatican adventures.
But anyone who knows Brigid will tell you that peace and quiet are not usually on her itinerary!
