"US Nuns Relief at the Fizzling Out of the Vatican Investigation"

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/blogs/1/624/us-nuns-relief-at-the-fizzling-out-of-the-vatican-s-investigation
Bridget Mary's Response: The Sisters, when challenged by the Vatican,  prayed and continued to live their ordinary and extraordinary lives of service to the  the people of God. Their response came from the depths of love for God, for each other and for the church, which included their critics. Like the Sisters, when we are criticized, we too can choose this grace- filled path to growth in integrity,wholeness, and holiness. Take the situation to deep prayer, then respond calmly and kindly is always a wise choice. Sometimes hearts change, transformation takes place, and even little miracles can occur! 
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

..."The report itself was brief. The sisters agreed to have “competent theologians” review their publications, assembly speakers, and award recipients– but there is nothing to suggest that these authorities cannot be chosen by LCWR, perhaps from among their own members. The conference also adopted (last August, at the annual meeting of its membership) a new bye-law emphasising the centrality of the teachings of Jesus and of the Church to their mission and ministries. There was no indication that these had not been central in the past, or that anything specific needed to be changed.

Both the prelates and the sisters have agreed to a 30-day period of silence, while many questions about specifics necessarily remain unanswered. And, to be sure, the “devil may be in the details” – details that will take some time to be illuminated. As of now, however, most observers agree that the ill-advised investigation begun under the previous pontificate, and at the initiative of then-head of the CDF, William Cardinal Levada (another American), ended with a whimper rather than a bang – something that current Vatican leaders, up to the highest levels, unquestionably desired, and that most women religious in the US greeted with relief, if not jubilation.

But an equally important takeaway is the widespread admiration expressed by so many for the sisters during the six-year ordeal. While some, especially in the press, were frustrated by their unwillingness to speak publicly and by their general restraint, what became clear over the years were the constancy, prayerfulness and commitment with which these American sisters continued to conduct themselves, even as their very integrity and autonomy were being challenged.

What a difference a (change of) Pope makes, yes—but what a difference a group of remarkable sisters, confident in their collective collaboration and contemplative strength has made, as well. Together, they have taught the Church a lesson about the ongoing reality of the Way of the Cross and, importantly, what follows in its aftermath."