June 22, 2010
By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press Writer
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
I am delighted that the icons of Peter and Paul were found in St. Thecla's catacomb. It is truly fitting! I doubt that many Christians know the story of Thecla and her assertive witness, let alone her rocky partnership with Paul who dumped her when the going got tough! I feel certain she has forgiven him by now! Perhaps, she is even smiling, from heaven when the icons were discovered in her catacomb!
In my book, Praying with Women of the Bible, I wrote a chapter about this gutsy, courageous woman missionary and her ministry with St. Paul.
According to the Acts of Paul and Thecla, a rare second century text, Thecla convinces Paul to accept her as a missionary disciple and co-worker. After Paul takes her with him to Antioch, a man named Alexander falls in love with her. When this happens, Paul denies knowing Thecla and abandons her there. When Alexander throws Thecla to the wild beasts, the women of the city condemn the city for its lawlessnes. The women throw perfume and flowers to overwhelm the beasts sent by the men. At this time the governor summons Thecla and asks her to explain why the beasts have not killed her. She takes this opportunity to give him a mini-lesson in the Christian faith. The governor releases Thecla and "all the women" praise God, "who has delivered Thecla."pp.137-138.
The Acts of Paul emphasized the importance of men especially Paul. Women are subordinate to Paul when they are important in the text, they either oppose Paul or are the channel for male resistance to him. According to the Acts of Paul women are a threat to the Christian mission. On the other hand, the Acts of Thecla portray women and men as both involved in Christianity but women are the more faithful advocates and St. Paul is depicted in a negative way. In this text, Paul betrays Thecla and leavers her to be devoured by wild beasts. The Acts of Thecla reveals the courage of a woman " apostle" who commits herself totally to proclaiming the gospel. Her fidelity to Christ is Thecla's strength in her great sufferings, including the threat of martyrdom. The story of Thecla manifests the overwhelming power of women's solidarity- women supporting other women- to liberate, heal and transform our world and church. In the end, no threat, harassment, attack can limit the possibilities or places that our dreams and diven love can take us together." I think St. Paul and St. Thecla are walking with men and women today we reclaim our ancient heritage as partners and equals in our contemporary church! (p. 140, Praying with Women of the Bible)
In a church in Rome, there is a stunning mosaic of St. Paul welcoming St. Thecla into heaven.
I believe it is located in Praxedis Church in Rome. Dr. Dorothy Irvin has a copy of this image in one of her calendars.
Dr. Irivn, a prominent archaeolgist and a Catholic theologian, has made a major contribution to women's ministries by her scholarly discoveries of women leaders in the early church, including ordained women. For more information, Contact Dr. Irivn at : irvincalendar@hotmail.com,
Associated Press Writer
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
I am delighted that the icons of Peter and Paul were found in St. Thecla's catacomb. It is truly fitting! I doubt that many Christians know the story of Thecla and her assertive witness, let alone her rocky partnership with Paul who dumped her when the going got tough! I feel certain she has forgiven him by now! Perhaps, she is even smiling, from heaven when the icons were discovered in her catacomb!
In my book, Praying with Women of the Bible, I wrote a chapter about this gutsy, courageous woman missionary and her ministry with St. Paul.
According to the Acts of Paul and Thecla, a rare second century text, Thecla convinces Paul to accept her as a missionary disciple and co-worker. After Paul takes her with him to Antioch, a man named Alexander falls in love with her. When this happens, Paul denies knowing Thecla and abandons her there. When Alexander throws Thecla to the wild beasts, the women of the city condemn the city for its lawlessnes. The women throw perfume and flowers to overwhelm the beasts sent by the men. At this time the governor summons Thecla and asks her to explain why the beasts have not killed her. She takes this opportunity to give him a mini-lesson in the Christian faith. The governor releases Thecla and "all the women" praise God, "who has delivered Thecla."pp.137-138.
The Acts of Paul emphasized the importance of men especially Paul. Women are subordinate to Paul when they are important in the text, they either oppose Paul or are the channel for male resistance to him. According to the Acts of Paul women are a threat to the Christian mission. On the other hand, the Acts of Thecla portray women and men as both involved in Christianity but women are the more faithful advocates and St. Paul is depicted in a negative way. In this text, Paul betrays Thecla and leavers her to be devoured by wild beasts. The Acts of Thecla reveals the courage of a woman " apostle" who commits herself totally to proclaiming the gospel. Her fidelity to Christ is Thecla's strength in her great sufferings, including the threat of martyrdom. The story of Thecla manifests the overwhelming power of women's solidarity- women supporting other women- to liberate, heal and transform our world and church. In the end, no threat, harassment, attack can limit the possibilities or places that our dreams and diven love can take us together." I think St. Paul and St. Thecla are walking with men and women today we reclaim our ancient heritage as partners and equals in our contemporary church! (p. 140, Praying with Women of the Bible)
In a church in Rome, there is a stunning mosaic of St. Paul welcoming St. Thecla into heaven.
I believe it is located in Praxedis Church in Rome. Dr. Dorothy Irvin has a copy of this image in one of her calendars.
Dr. Irivn, a prominent archaeolgist and a Catholic theologian, has made a major contribution to women's ministries by her scholarly discoveries of women leaders in the early church, including ordained women. For more information, Contact Dr. Irivn at : irvincalendar@hotmail.com,
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