Ireland Day 14: Official Response from Susan Davis World Meeting of Families on My Invitation to Attend Women's Empowerment Conference When Pope Visits, Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

My Comment: As we were driving to Dublin airport, I opened my email to view a   response from Susan Davis, Coordinator of WMOF about my offer to speak at Women's Empowerment Symposium at the World Meeting of Families in Dublin when Pope Francis visits Ireland on August 24th, 25th. “Voices of Impact: Women Leaders Shaping Global Change” will begin at 18.00 on Friday 24 August with an invitation-only dinner and program. On Saturday 25 August, the Symposium will continue bringing together women change makers from across the globe from 8.00 to 11:00 at the RDS in Dublin.

As I reported in this blog, I received the invitation from Suzanne Thiel, RCWP. From the email string, I saw that one of our supporters sent it to her.  It is ironic and humorous that the former president of Ireland, Mary McAleese did not receive an invitation and women priests did! See the sparks fly in the article in Irish Independent! LOL!
http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2018/08/ireland-day-13-breaking-news-in-irish.html 
http://bridgetmarys.blogspot.com/2018/08/ireland-day-11-surprising-invitation-to.html

Until women are equals at the altar and in decision-making in the Church, there is no such thing as real empowerment for Catholic women. The truth is women's voices for justice are not being heard. Until women priests are affirmed, sexism is the issue. Bridget Mary Meehan https://arcwp.org, 703-505-0004

Susan Davis Response to me
Hi Bridget.  Apologies, you ended up in my spam file.  Unfortunately, the program is set and went to print last week.   Am not sure how you received the invitation?  Of course you are most welcome to attend the Saturday symposium which is open to everyone who would like to come.

My Email to Susan Davis, Coordinator of WMOF - Aug. 11, 2018
Dear Susan,

I am in Ireland right now doing work to promote women priests. Would this panel welcome a woman bishop born in Ireland who is promoting women priests' ordination?

I celebrated a liturgy in Dublin last week and there was an article in the Independent on Monday. 

I would need to know right away if it would give me a voice to promote a renewed priestly ministry in the Catholic Church. Otherwise, I will be leaving Ireland on August 14th.

https://arcwp.org

Blessings,

Bridget Mary

Archbishop’s House,

Dublin

Dear Ms. XXX
Pope Francis and the World Meeting of Families
The Holy See’s (Vatican) World Meeting of Families (WMOF), the largest worldwide family conference, is held every three years. This summer, it will be hosted in Dublin, from 21 to 26 August. Pope Francis personally chose Ireland for the conference and will be travelling to Dublin to participate.

For the very first time, the World Meeting of Families will be followed by a new and extremely important Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Voices of Impact: Women Leaders Shaping Global Change” on the evening of 24 August and the morning of 25 August. We would be honoured if you would agree to join us on the stage to share your wisdom and experience. A Festival of Families Concert for the Pope will follow on the evening of 25 August in Croke Park featuring Irish and international music artists to include Sir James Galway, Andrea Bocelli and Riverdance. And Pope Francis will celebrate a Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park on August 26. You and your guests would be our honoured guests for both.

The Women’s Leadership Symposium will spotlight the role of women within the family alongside their role as change agents starting and running businesses, fighting poverty and human trafficking, providing health care and education for the poor and, for many, leading corporations, NGOs and countries. This discussion couldn’t be more timely or more important. Our goal is to bring strong women’s voices together for two dedicated inspiring sessions that spark legacy conversations going forward.

“Voices of Impact: Women Leaders Shaping Global Change” will begin at 18.00 on Friday 24 August with an invitation-only dinner and program. On Saturday 25 August, the Symposium will continue bringing together women change makers from across the globe from 8.00 to 11:00 at the RDS in Dublin. The Symposium is based on the simple yet powerful premise that the changing role of women across all spectrums of life is having a real and positive influence on the future of society. We will share real stories from women that powerfully connect with the audience and, via media, throughout the world. Our speakers will focus on the challenges women face serving their families, their careers and their communities; and the challenges women face while helping to build flourishing and sustainable societies.

We very much hope you can join us and have asked our strategic advisor, Susan Davis, to follow up with your office (202 414 0777 or susan.davis@susandavis.com). You may also contact her assistant, Sheridan Davis, at 202 414 0789, or sldavis@susandavis.com. Our World Meeting of Families Secretary General, Father Tim Bartlett, is available for discussion as well.

We would be honoured by your participation for this groundbreaking event, and look forward to your reply.

Archbishop Diarmuid `Martin,

Archbishop of Dublin.