"It's not just about male prostitutes" by Phyllis Zagano/ No, millions of women have died , Pope Benedict

http://ncronline.org/blogs/just-catholic/its-not-just-about-male-prostitutes

"Could someone also let the pope know how African women religious are affected by the AIDS pandemic? Does he know about the priests and seminarians who go after those women religious specifically because they are virginal and not infected with anything?" Phyllis Zagano/NCR

Bridget Mary's Reflection: "Pope Benedict, Millions of Women Have Died from AIDS"
Phyllis Zagano is right on. The Vatican needs to address this issue of criminal behavior by priests against women religious in Africa. Where is the outrage at the abuse of women religious in Africa? In addition, Pope Benedict failed to mention the millions of women in Africa who have died of AIDS because they were infected by philandering partners. How about recommending condoms to save women's lives, Pope Benedict? The world awaits your pastoral letter on use of condoms as an act of moral responsibility that will save our sisters' lives!
Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org

Vatican must hear 'anger and hurt' of American nuns, official says

Dec. 07, 2010
NCR Today
By JOHN L. ALLEN JR.
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/vatican-must-hear-anger-and-hurt-american-nuns-official-says
ROME -- "Rome must acknowledge the “depth of anger and hurt” provoked by a visitation of American nuns, the Vatican’s number two official for religious life has said, saying it illustrates the need for a “strategy of reconciliation” with women religious.
Archbishop Joseph Tobin, Secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, said that he does not expect any “punitive” fallout from the visitation, and that before any decisions are made, women’s communities should have a chance to know the results and to respond. "

Bridget Mary's Reflection;

The Vatican end game and damage control has begun. Obviously Archbishop Tobin is beginning a process of reconciliation and healing with the American nuns in this interview. The Vatican has made a wise choice in selecting Redemptorist Joseph Tobin who is trusted by the American Sisters and who is willing to listen and truly dialogue! Now, let's hope his brother bishops and cardinals in the Vatican Curia follow his example!

"Shutting down discussion is anathema to the university way..." Women Priests Bring New Life to Church

Katy Zatsick, RCWP

http://www.newcatholictimes.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&ptid=1&aid=2198

"It seems to me that, in the church, we have subordinated truth to power-games. We have politicized it. We have put the institution above the message it exists to serve. We have put the structures above the gospel. We have allowed power-structures to become self-serving rather than gospel- or people-serving. We believe in churchianity more than in Christianity. "
John Quinn, New Catholic Times

Bridget Mary's Reflection:
Just like the Berlin Wall fell, so too Vatican oppression of prophetic voices, and condemnation of women priests, will not prevail. The good news of Jesus -of justice and equality -will overcome and triumph. Women Priests are bringing new life, creativity and inclusivity to our church now. Bridget Mary Meehan, RCWP
http://www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org/