Pope Francis Excommunicates Mafia/Time to lift Excommunication of Roman Catholic Women Priests

https://www.arcamax.com/religionandspirituality/religiousnews/s-1542243

"Pope's takes bold step by condemning Mafia"

Peter Smith, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PITTSBURGH -- "When Pope Francis declared last week that organized crime figures are "excommunicated" from the Catholic Church, he wasn't making a formal legal declaration against any individuals by name...When instead of adoring the Lord, one substitutes the adoration of money, one opens the path to sin, personal interests and exploitation," Pope Francis said in a homily at an outdoor Mass to the estimated crowd of about 250,000 near the town of Sibari. "When one does not adore the Lord God, one becomes an adorer of evil, like those who live lives of crime and violence. Your land, which is so beautiful, knows the signs and consequences of this sin. This is what the 'Ndrangheta is: the adoration of evil and contempt for the common good."He added: "Those who follow the path of evil, like the mafiosi do, are not in communion with God; they are excommunicated!"Past popes have also spoken out against organized crime, but Francis is the first to use the word "excommunicated," according to Vatican watchers. He has previously prayed with victims of mob violence and formally beatified a priest killed in 1993 by the Mafia..."

Bridget Mary's Response: It is time for Pope Francis to lift the excommunication of Roman Catholic Women Priests. We are faithful followers of Christ who dedicate our lives to service of God's people. We do not belong in the same category as the Mafia. Women priests lead inclusive, egalitarian Catholic communities  in 10 countries where all are invited to receive sacraments in the spirit of Jesus' example in the Gospels. Bridget Mary Meehan, www.arcwp.org

Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests gather for ordination of four women in Jan. 2014