News Archive - 2012
CNN 12/30/12: How Catholic Sisters Changed American Health CareCNN reports that sisters continue to innovate in areas like comprehensive-care clinics, preventive health-care services, traveling services, and more - rooted in the charisms and courage of the pioneering nuns who founded the congregations.
ABC News 12/27/12: Houston sisters squash stereotypes with successful careersA doctor, a lawyer, and a social worker live the gospel in the world, rooted in their communities and charisms as sisters.
Fordham conference 12/11/12: How American Catholic Sisters Shaped the ChurchFordham University in NYC is offering a free public conference that sounds great! "Catholic sisters have had a dramatic impact on the Church for generations. They built a massive parochial school system in the nineteenth century, sponsored women’s colleges long before the women’s movement, and founded hospitals and social services that still allow the Church to reach millions each year. Responding to Vatican II’s call for renewal in the 1960s, they expanded beyond these ministries—embracing social activism and missionary work, exploring fresh currents in spirituality and theology, and championing human dignity and rights. How has sisters’ ministry changed the face of the Church? What do they see as their primary calling today?"
Featuring Doris Gottemoeller, RSM, vice president, Catholic Health Partners and former president, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; Maria Theotokos Adams, SVMM, director of studies, Immaculate Conception Province, Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará; Miriam Ukeritis, CSJ, psychologist and CEO, Southdown Institute; Mary Johnson, SNDdeN, sociologist, Trinity Washington University; Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, theologian, Catholic Theological Union; Christine Firer Hinze, professor of theology, Fordham University.US sisters guided him out of tragedy; now he's archbishop. Support retired nuns!Archbishop Harry Flynn was orphaned as he began 7th grade. Sisters stepped in with skillful love and care and gave him the support needed to make it through the tragedy - all the way through high school. Consider a contribution to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Retirement Fund for Religious, or to the independent 25-year-old Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR). Nuns have been radical since their beginnings. Support them now in retirement!Political commentator Cokie Roberts reminds us of the radical actions of women religious in what became the USA - to educate girls, African Americans, Native Americans, poor immigrants; to create school systems and hospitals for needy people; to walk with and lift up people on the margins. "This country is a far fairer place, a place closer to fulfilling its promise for all its people because of the contributions of these determined and dedicated religious." Because many sisters work with people with few resources, they don't amass riches to support their retirement. Consider a contribution to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Retirement Fund for Religious, or to the independent 25-year-old Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR).
LCWR to receive prize for religious freedom in 2013LCWR will be awarded the 2013 Herbert Haag Prize for Freedom in the Church.
The entire brief announcement is a cogent recognition and amplification of LCWR's prophetic voice. E.g., "[This award to LCWR] reflects the energy and initiative with which the women religious renew and shape a Church open to the future. This award also wishes to give weight in Europe to the strong voice of these women, giving encouragement to those resigned to silence. If the Church wants to give hope to the coming generations, then it finds expression in the voice of Sr. Pat Farrell when she said at LCWR’s national assembly in August 2012: 'We are in a time of crisis and that is a hopeful place to be. Crisis precedes transformation.'”
The prize was endowed by Swiss theologian Herbert Haag (1915-2001), who taught Old Testament at the University of Tubingen, Germany. "This prize honors people and institutions that engage themselves in the spirit of the apostle Paul for freedom in the church and in doing so give witness to the world."
A major Italian newspaper has taken note.
Apostolic Visitation 2010 - is a report coming soon?Will a report be issued soon? Unclear, but maybe, according to NCR.
Change in leadership at Vatican congregation that oversees LCWRArchbishop Joseph Tobin, formerly secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (commonly known as the Congregation for Religious Life, or the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes), has been reassigned as archbishop of Indianapolis. Analysis by John L. Allen, Jr.
Call To Action honors Sister Pat Farrell with its Leadership AwardAt its annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 10, 2012, Call To Action honored LCWR past president Sister Pat Farrell, OSF, with its Leadership Award. CTA called her "a model of the best of Catholic leadership: where leaders invite communal discernment of the signs of the times in light of the gospel – and are not afraid to follow where the Spirit leads." Accepting the award, she thanked CTA and people everywhere for support, and underscored the sisters' solidarity with laity: "I'm also very confident that I speak for women religious around the country in assuring you that we also stand with you … that we walk side by side with the laity in our common effort to discern our way forward in our church. And how could it be otherwise? We share the same universal call to holiness declared at Vatican II."
Continuing to lead us all, Sister Pat said, "I believe that God's future is revealed to us precisely when the path is not clear. When there is no apparent way forward, perhaps the only way is down, to a place of deeper listening. That's what this moment asks of us.... We need to return again and again into the probing thoughtfulness of scripture, of the study of theology, and of genuine conversation with each other. The task of transformation -- and it's nothing less than that -- is neither quick nor easy. It needs the effort of every morning of every day."
Archbishop Fiorenzo causes USCCB not to ignore Catholic Social TeachingAt the annual meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, retired Archbishop Joseph Fiorenzo of Galveston-Houston challenged the bishops to recall Catholic Social Teaching and reject the proposed statement on the economy - and the bishops followed the powerful wisdom he espoused. This story relates to LCWR because Catholic sisters embody Catholic Social Teaching in their lives of solidarity with people on the margins, both here and in other countries.
LCWR & Archbishop Sartain's joint statement after 11/11/12 meetingThe three bishops delegates of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the tripartite presidency of LCWR (current president, president-elect, and past president), and the LCWR executive director met on Sunday, November 11. In a joint statement, LCWR president Sister Florence Deacon, OSF, and Archbishop Peter Sartain said simply: "The discussion was open and cordial and those present agreed to meet again to continue the conversation."
LCWR to meet with overseer bishops on Sunday, Nov. 11On the afternoon of Sunday, November 11 Sisters Florence Deacon, OSF; Carol Zinn, SSJ; Pat Farrell, OSF; and Janet Mock, CSJ will be meeting with the delegate appointed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to oversee the implementation of the doctrinal assessment of LCWR, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, as well as his two assistants, Bishop Leonard Blair and Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. The meeting will take place in Baltimore prior to the meeting of the USCCB, which the LCWR officers will also attend as observers. LCWR asks for prayers for everyone who will participate in Sunday's meeting.
LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Sister Pat Farrell, OSF on Learning to Swim in WinterOn page 2, Sister Pat Farrell reflects on the deep vitality of quiet time (as LCWR experienced in its 6 weeks of silence before the Assembly, and now again as it opens its dialog with Archbishop Sartain). "In the low-key, in-between times I have no doubt that something more is gestating, that God is bringing to birth what is needed now. I trust that the Spirit is readying us for whatever comes next." "Processes are at work both within us and beyond us, in what is seen and in what is unseen. What we know of discernment invites us to attentive awareness on all sides, as we listen our way into a faithful response to the kind of future towards which God is beckoning us."LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Sister Pat Farrell to receive CTA Leadership AwardFirst article: “It is this kind of leadership that is necessary to advance the dialogue and response to the accusations of those who would challenge the Gospel message of equality, unity, community, and empowerment of all women and men in the church. Maintaining an open heart and mind in matters about which we agree and disagree are central to Sr. Pat’s leadership style, approach, and message." Call To Action (CTA) will present its 2012 Call To Action leadership award to Sr. Pat Farrell, OSF, on November 10 at the CTA conference in Louisville, Kentucky.LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Order LCWR "Evolutionary Leadership" by 12/20LCWR Winter 2013 issue of LCWR's Occasional Papers will focus on Evolutionary Leadership. LCWR is showing the world a new model of prophetic leadership and these writings will help us understand it, live it, and maybe share it, teach it, make it contagious. $6 incl shipping, ORDERS DUE BY 12/20. See Newsletter, page 3.
LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Sign up - post-election "Circle of Protection" webinarLCWR invites us to be part of the "Circle of Protection" to resist budget cuts that undermine the lives, dignity, and rights of poor and vulnerable people. Register for a post-election webinar on "Strengthening the Circle of Protection after the Election" in context of US budget decisions Nov-Jan: Thursday, November 8 at 2:00 PM. Sponsored by diverse Christian coalition incl US Conf of Catholic Bishops, National Association of Evangelicals, Bread for the World, Salvation Army, Christian Churches Together in the USA, National Council of Churches and other Evangelical and mainline Protestants.LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Donate to cover LCWR registration for needy ordersSome smaller congregations can no longer afford to register as LCWR members. Donate to help them. Page 4 of newsletter. Checks or inquiries to LCWR at 8808 Cameron Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-588-4955.
Fr. Richard McBrien "showing support for LCWR in these trying times"His 10/29/12 NCRonline column recognizes nuns as "the greatest asset to the church in North America," briefly reviews the backlash to Vatican II (and names names), notes "the pall of sadness [that] now covers the church," and offers the perspective and hope of history to assure that "the pendulum will swing the other way. It always has."
Cardinal Muller (CDF head) on LCWR and "substantial fidelity"Italian journalist Paolo Rodari began his interview of Cardinal Muller, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that issued the mandate for LCWR renewal, by asking, "Why's wrong, you or them?" In reply, "Archbishop Gerhard Müller, 64, said he 'looks with sympathy' on groups such as LCWR [and all groups within the church], but at the same time that 'no group can set itself up as the source of authentic interpretation'' of church teaching. That role, Müller insisted, belongs to 'the pope and the bishops in communion with him,' who expect 'substantial fidelity' from the rest of the church." More in the 10/13/12 article by John L. Allen, Jr. Interview also online.
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, KY - mission takes root overseasWhen they arrived in Botswana, the Sisters of Charity mixed soil from India, Kentucky, Belize, and Botswana to symbolize their coming together in mission. Now, 12 years later, they are opening a formation program for Botswanan women who want to join the order - a joyous part of the celebration of the order's 200th anniversary.
October 2012 LCWR NewsletterThe newsletter is packed with Assembly info, resources, insights, photos, and president Sister Florence Deacon's reflections as well as contemplative insights from the Assembly. A few quick words to hold onto until you read the whole thing:
"As a beacon of fidelity, hope, prayer and community, and holding the ambiguities, questions, and pain, we are becoming the change we want to see in the church, for the life of the world.... We are on the brink of something crucial for the sake of God’s people." (from Contemplative Process Insights, page 5)
Association of US Catholic Priests to LCWR: "“We feel that our cause to keep alive the spirit and enthusiasm
of the Second Vatican Council could be given great impetus by learning from you.” (Sister Deacon's reflection, page 2)
LCWR executive director Sister Janet Mock connected two lay women with similar frustrations and hopes, and "and together the two formed a group called Jubilee Faithful in honor of the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Vatican Council II. Just by word of mouth their initial meeting attracted approximately 115 people, and subsequent gatherings continue to draw 20-somethings to 80-somethings.... Might this be a time for all of us to reach out to our neighbors and provide a place for people to come together to pray, share their stories of faith, and fortify one another to be a stronger church? What better way to celebrate the Year of Faith?" (Sister Florence Deacon's reflections, page 2)
LCWR has new officersFollowing the annual Assembly, the new officers of LCWR are Sisters Florence Deacon, OSF (president), Pat Farrell, OSF (past president), Carol Zinn, SSJ (president-elect), Sheila Megley, RSM (treasurer), Barbara Blesse, OP (secretary), and Janet Mock, CSJ (executive director). As the LCWR website says, "the LCWR president, president-elect, and past president work in collaboration and consultation with one another and with the secretary, treasurer and executive director of the LCWR national office." The website also shows current regional chairs as well as past presidents and executive directors.
Documentary "Band of Sisters" tells of Vatican II nuns - schedule it for your area!Chicago producer/director Mary Fishman's documentary had its premiere on 9/14/12. "Band of Sisters" introduces Catholic sisters from several congregations who have transformed themselves as directed by Vatican II, becoming workers for social justice - and increasingly in tension with more conservative parts of today's church. NCR tells about the filming. At the recent premiere, viewers were very enthusiastic - like Sister Beatrice Hernandez, who commented that "Maybe it will give them some insight into how religious life has changed since Vatican II and how sisters have remained faithful not only to the values of Vatican II but also the Gospel." You can schedule a screening at a parish, school, theater, or any gathering place in your area.
Democratic National Convention speech by Sister Simone Campbell, SSSIs Sister Simone the first Catholic sister to address a major US party's political convention? She's the executive director of Network, a Catholic social justice lobby, and was part of Network's "Nuns on the Bus" tour through nine states to highlight the work of Catholic Sisters, meet the people they serve, and learn about the harm that would be caused by the federal budget proposed by Vice Presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan. In her Sept. 5, 2012 speech to the Democratic convention, Sister Simone told of specific ways this budget would hurt people and reduce funding for services that Catholic sisters provide. She pointed out that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has also spoken out against the Ryan budget for these same reasons. She also advocated for dialog, not confrontation, as a means to find solutions in our badly polarized country - a theme that LCWR has consistently lifted up for us, and for which we offer resources and a blog on this website.
Cardinal Carlo Montini, SJ, esteemed leader in the church: final interviewAs Father James Martin, SJ, noted in his 9/1/12 post about the 8/31 death of Cardinal Montini: "It's hard to overstate his influence on Catholics in Italy, where he was seen as one of the chief promoters of dialogue with non-believers; and among his fellow bishops and archbishops, among whom he was a real voice for 'aggornamiento.' For those in Milan, he was a beloved pastor who welcomed everyone into conversation. For academics around the world, an esteemed Scripture scholar and rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. For many readers, a revered spiritual master who treasured his books. The Jesuits I met who went on retreat with him spoke of him in awed terms, as someone equally at home in Greek and Latin, as in Italian and English. More importantly, they spoke of him as a Jesuit who made his home in Scripture and allowed Scripture to make its home in him. I met him once (he was gracious and welcoming) after a lecture at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, but heard over the years many stories about his generosity, brilliance and great sense of humor. As Robert Mickens wrote in the Tablet's blog, the church and the world are much poorer without Cardinal Martini. May he rest in peace."
Cardinal Montini gave a final interview with Corriere della Sera, published the Saturday before his death. It's relevant to LCWR because the Cardinal spoke with blunt love about the need for changes in the church. The interview has been widely reported in summary form (e.g., NY Times, Commonweal, NCR) and is now available in full translation into English, thanks to Father Joseph Komoncheck and the Commonweal blog.
National Press Club speech by former LCWR president Sister Mary Hughes, OPOn August 16, 2012, the National Press Club featured Sister Mary Hughes, OP as its luncheon speaker. Other LCWR officials attended as well. The video is a great overview of LCWR history and the current challenges, decisions, and attitudes. Well worth the hour to listen, including the Q&A. Overview under this same headline is on another page.
LCWR statement on August 11, 2012 meeting with Archbishop Sartain"The LCWR board members believe they were able to express both their concerns and their feelings about the CDF report with great openness and honesty, and that Archbishop Sartain listened carefully." LCWR issued the full statement on August 13, 2012.
LCWR Assembly: Order DVDs or CDs of speeches and panelOrder a complete set or individual presentations through LCWR.
LCWR Assembly: August 10 closing press conference and other "behind the scenes"Jamie L. Manson's August 15, 2012 story in NCR, "LCWR's annual meeting: Some reflections and a little back story," illuminates the prayerful, communal, respectful stance of LCWR and the participants in the meeting. Story summary on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.
LCWR Assembly: August 10 press release summarizes next steps with CDFOn its 2012 Assembly website, LCWR includes major speeches (see below) as well as its August 10, 2012 press release which outlines the agenda and process of this prayerful gathering, highlights themes from major speakers, and provides a capsule of the LCWR decisions on how to proceed with regard to the bishops appointed to "reform" LCWR by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. More on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.LCWR Assembly: a journal from a participant, Sister Mary Lou, OSBJournal entries from the Assembly, posted on Sister Joan Chittister's Monasteries of the Heart.
LCWR Assembly: "Navigating the Shifts" address by Sister Pat Farrell, OSFPowerful, moving, wise address by outgoing president Sister Pat Farrell on August 10, 2012. Every word is worth our reflection so we can absorb and follow this path in solidarity with LCWR and Catholic sisters. Some highlights on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.
LCWR Assembly: Leadership Award address by Sister Sandra Schneiders, IHMBiblical scholar Sister Sandra Schneiders roots the present moment in scripture and history (past, present, and future!) in her address accepting the LCWR Leadership award on August 10, 2012. Highlights on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.
LCWR Assembly: August 9, 2012 speakers and responsesLay speakers urged participants to "lead the reform of the Catholic Church that [the lay speakers] desire." When speakers suggested that the sisters "just say no" to the Vatican mandate, there were audible groans from the sisters. In a press conference themed “Contemplation and Dialogue: Means of Moving Into the Future,” one of the sisters said, "The thing I don’t think we ought to be risking is further splitting our Church and getting into more and more fragmentation. … We have to figure out how are we going to get through this together in a way that is respectful of the integrity of both parties.”
At the press conference, another sister told how hard the process has been and "it was the strength of the laity that made it possible for the sisters to walk through the crisis." May they all know that we are with them in solidarity and support!
Blog report by Ann Carey in NCR, August 9, 2012.
LCWR Assembly: Keynote address and early prayer, August 8, 2012Barbara Marx Hubbard told the LCWR Assembly that "you are the best seed-bed I know for evolving the church and the world in the 21st century." From a "conscious evolution" framework, Hubbard said, three "great questions" now face the world: "How will we use our technology and power for good? What story do we have to tell in order to imagine an ability to use our power that way? What kind of person do we have to be to handle all this power?" The answer to the third question, Hubbard said, "is the person inspired by the Christ. It is the person incarnating that aspect of Christ that is creative." NCR report by Joshua J. McElwee, August 8, 2012.
LCWR Assembly: Opening session August 7, 2012, in St. LouisOn August 8, NCR's Joshua J. McElwee reported on the Assembly background, agenda, attendees, and opening session, including comments by Sister Pat Farrell, St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson, and a representative from the Vatican’s Congregation for Religious, Oblate Fr. Hank Lemoncelli, who is attending the Assembly.
The report includes two beautiful reflections and prayers:
“I find within myself some concerns about our openness in giving ourselves the time it takes to perceive what God is doing among us, about how we will know for certain that we have uncovered the new, and about knowing when it is the right time to act. I wonder if we will have the discipline needed to take the time needed, God’s time, to free ourselves to proceed and to let the new rise up within us.” (from Sister Jane Burke, SSND, who died this past year and was LCWR executive director 2008-11)
“We abandon ourselves into your hands, O God. Keep our hearts soft and our minds open, as we wait for the truth of this moment to reveal itself.” (prayer ending the opening day of LCWR 2012 Assembly)
Former LCWR presidents comment after 8/7/12 pre-meeting before AssemblyIn preparation for the 2012 Assembly, current and past LCWR presidents met in closed session on August 7, 2012. NCR's Joshua J. McElwee reported that "The overall opinion of the group was that the LCWR could not unconditionally accept the Vatican’s mandate that the leadership conference reform its statutes and structures but neither did the group want to walk away from the canonical structure of the LCWR. The leaders hope to find a middle path, NCR was told, but they also want to give the Vatican a firm expression of how they understand themselves as religious, suggesting that the sisters do not 'necessarily' need to be part of formal church structures." Full report in NCR.
LCWR congregations & CMSWR congregations get equal numbers of new vocationsMary Johnson, SC, and Patricia Wittenberg, SNDdeN, reported on their brand-new study in the article "Reality Check" in the August 13, 2012 issue of America. They examined current data and found that almost equal numbers of women are in formation in US congregations associated with LCWR and congregations associated with the Conference of Major Superiors of Women Religious. Total numbers are not high, with 507 women at all stages of formation in LCWR congregations and 535 in CMSWR congregations; and because LCWR represents more sisters, its total reflects a lower proportion of women in formation.
The almost-equal number of recent entrants contradicts widely reported assumptions and assertions that LCWR congregations are not attracting new members. As James Martin, SJ, says in his commentary on the study, "To take a homey example, imagine a town with 80 Toyota dealerships and 20 Honda dealerships, where 300 people buy Toyotas and 300 buy Hondas. The conclusion would be that Toyotas and Hondas are equally popular, not that Toyota needs to go out of business."
Women in formation reflect the diversity of young US Catholics (61% white, 16% Latina, 16% Asian/Pacific Islander, 6% African American, and 1% other).
Looking to the future, the study's authors note that "Few are paying attention to the fine work of N.R.V.C. [the National Religious Vocation Conference] and the religious institutes from both leadership conferences that have initiated new vocation programs, which have galvanized the energy of the institutes and hold the promise of further growth in the near future." They conclude with awareness of both complexity and hope in the words of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ: "The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason to hope.”
The study was sponsored by Georgetown's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and by NRVC, which offers 11 quick "Mythbusters" from its findings.
August 7: "Sister cities" hold vigils as LCWR begins its AssemblyJoin in prayer for LCWR on August 7! Cities large and small, all over the USA, will hold vigils for the July 7-11 Assembly..
LCWR prepares for August assembly; Papal Nuncio Vigano commentsNY Times for July 28, 2012, "Nuns Weigh Response to Scathing Vatican Rebuke" by Laurie Goodstein. Excerpts: "American nuns are preparing to assemble in St. Louis next week for a pivotal meeting.... At issue are questions of obedience and autonomy, what it means to be a faithful Catholic and different understandings of the Second Vatican Council.... 'The church must speak with one voice,' Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the papal nuncio to the United States, said in an address in June to American bishops at their meeting in Atlanta. 'We all know that the fundamental tactic of the enemy is to show a church divided.' He added pointedly that at this 'difficult time,' there is a special need for women and men in religious orders, and for Catholic universities, to 'take on an attitude of deep communion' with the bishops."
LCWR newsletter: Power, Authority, and WisdomLCWR's August-September 2012 newsletter, page 2, features past president Mary Hughes, OP's reflections, concluding: "Now, more than ever, we need to pray to have the kind of authority possessed by Jesus. The contemplative process will continue to connect us deeply with God and with one another. We will work to see that all authority is used to liberate and bring gospel freedom to those whose hearts are hungry and open. There may be times we stand in silence. While it can
be tempting to lash back in anger or hurt, we will pray without ceasing for the wisdom to use our power and authority as they are intended, rather than in a retaliatory fashion. We will, like Jesus, gently and firmly speak the truth. 'Who is it that gave you this authority?' Our lives will continue to reveal our source."Bishop Leonard Blair underscores importance of LCWR obedience within the hierarchical church - interviewed on NPR's "Fresh Air"Following the July 17 interview of LCWR president Sister Pat Farrell on NPR's "Fresh Air," on the July 25 program Terry Gross interviewed Bishop Blair, one of the three bishops appointed to oversee LCWR reform. "Bishop Explains Vatican Criticism of US Nuns" - article and audio - NPR, July 25, 2012
"Love Cannot Be Silenced: The People's Response to the Vatican Investigation of U.S. Sisters"5-minute youtube video composed and sung by Sister Kathy Sherman, CSJ, June 18, 2012
Missing the Mark: What the CDF gets wrong about the LCWRA tradition-minded Catholic sister (attends daily Mass, Adoration and Benediction, prays the Rosary daily and wears a habit) on why she feels the Vatican investigation of the LCWR is "unsubstantiated" and the sanctions "disproportionate." Article by Sister Y in Commonweal, July 18, 2012.
Sister Pat Farrell, LCWR president, expresses wish for dialogue on complex issues - interviewed on NPR's "Fresh Air""There are issues about which we think there's a need for a genuine dialogue, and there doesn't seem to be a climate of that in the church right now... In my mind, [I want] to see if we can somehow, in a spirited, nonviolent strategizing, look for maybe a third way that refuses to define the mandate and the issues in such black and white terms." "An American Nun Responds to Vatican Criticism" - article and audio - NPR, July 17, 2012
Great perspective! "Into the Future: The Journey of Women Religious Since Vatican II"Article by Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM, in America magazine, July 16, 2012
Interesting brief interview with Archbishop Muller as new head of CDFArchbishop Gerhard Muller granted his first interview, after his appointment, to KNA, the German bishops' news agency (in German), on July 4, 2012. Dutch Catholic blog In Caelo et in Terra has provided a translation to English.
Bio for Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller, new head of CDFAt Bistum Regensburg (the Diocese of Regensburg site, I think?) and at Wikipedia.
Both House & Senate propose a resolution "Honoring Catholic Sisters for Their Contributions to the United States"Full text is the same in both House and Senate versions. Check House and Senate status & co-sponsors. Contact your Representative and Senators to ask them to support House Resolution 689 (introduced 6/18/12) and Senate Resolution 515 (introduced 6/28/12). (It took me about 5 minutes to do all 3 of mine.)
Change of leadership at Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Archbishop-designate Gerhard Ludwig Muller replaces Cardinal William LevadaThe CDF is the Vatican organization that issued the April 18 directive for 3 bishops to take control of LCWR. New York Times article by Rachel Donadio, July 2, 2012. Article by John L. Allen, July 2, 2012, NCR.
Spiritan fathers & brothers express support for LCWRArticle by Joshua J. McElwee, July 2, 2012, NCR.
LCWR Newsletter for July 2012News and perspectives - and a beautiful reflection on dialog by Sister Pat Farrell, on page 2..
East-coast Augustinian fathers & brothers send letter of supportSt. Thomas of Villanova province of the Augustinian Friars "offer their support." Article by Joshua J. McElwee, June 29, 2012, NCR.
LCWR: Vatican meeting "difficult," with "differing perspectives"Article by Joshua J. McElwee, June 18, 2012, NCR.
LCWR statement: LCWR continues discernment about CDF mandatePress release, June 18, 2012
More priests, brothers express support for LCWRThe Cincinnati province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and the international head office of the Xaverian brothers wrote separate letters to LCWR on June 8 and June 9, respectively, to express "gratitude" and "appreciation" for the work of U.S. Sisters. The Xaverians' letter notes, "We greatly respect the way in which you have responded prayerfully, collaboratively and authentically to the initial assessment by the CDF. We hope and pray that the integrity of your response will help to bring about a dialog marked by mutuality, trust, honesty and transparency. Our society and our church -- both so marred by divisiveness and polarization today -- need this witness.". Article by Joshua J. McElwee, June 14, 2012, NCR.
Diane Rehm Show about LCWRInterview with Maureen Fiedler, John Allen, and Stephen White, June 14, 2012
Archbishop Sartain: "My goal is to build relationships and go from there."Illuminating interview by Joshua J. McElwee, June 13, 2012, NCR.
WE PRAYED WITH THE PAPAL NUNCIO, AS LCWR AND THE CDF MET IN ROMEJune 12, 2012, Washington, DC -- Early this morning, the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano and members of the Solidarity with Sisters organizing committee joined in celebration of the Eucharist, offering shared prayer as LCWR and the CDF meet today. Read full report.
LCWR, CDF have "open" meetingArticle including LCWR statement & comment by LCWR President, by Dennis Coday, June 12, 2012, NCR.
Vatican official warns of "dialog of the deaf" with LCWRArticle reporting Cardinal Levada's comments after the CDF-LCWR meeting, John L. Allen, Jr., June 12, 2012, NCR.
LCWR statement on meeting with CDF Press release, June 12, 2012
Statement of the Holy See Press Office on CDF-LCWRStatement "concerning the Meeting at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith about the Doctrinal Assessment of the LCWR," June 12, 2012
Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM)"Comments of the CMSM on the LCWR Situation," June 8, 2012
LCWR statement: LCWR board meets to review CDF reportPress release, June 1, 2012
Franciscan Friars: Open Letter the the United States Catholic Sisters7 provinces of Friars Minor declare solidarity with US Catholic Sisters, May 31, 2012
LCWR AssemblyMystery Unfolding: Leading in the Evolutionary Now, St. Louis, MO, August 7-12, 2012
WHAT HAPPENED AT 5/29/12 RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH CATHOLIC SISTERS?On the bright and hot Tuesday after Pentecost, May 29, 2012, about 200 people gathered in a park near the Vatican Embassy. We rallied with prayer, song, and speeches; then marched to the Vatican Embassy, where a delegation met with the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, and gave him our letter for Pope Benedict XVI, which also had 645 online signatures. Later he came outside to talk with rally participants. See full report, speeches, and photos.
(NOTE: Rally organizers do not represent and are entirely independent from LCWR. None of the organizing team and none of the people who met with Archbishop Vigano are women religious.) PRESS COVERAGE OF THE RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH CATHOLIC SISTERS, 5/29/2012LaStampa.it: U.S. nuns reject Vatican's accusationsVatican Insider column, June 1, 2012
Catholic Free Press: LCWR board responds to Vatican order for reform of organizationArticle by Catholic Free Press, June 1, 2012
Catholic Canada: "The Report Has Caused Scandal" - picks up Rocco Palmo article belowMention in article, June 1, 2012
Whispers in the Loggia Blog: "The Report Has Caused Scandal" -- On Call for "Renewal," The Sisters RespondOur meeting with Archbishop Vigano is referenced in article by Rocco Palmo, June 1, 2012
UCAN India: US nuncio surprises nuns' leaders with face to face meetingArticle by UCAN India, May 31, 2012
CatholicHerald.co.uk: Morning Catholic must-reads 31/05/12Reference by Luke Coppen, May 31, 2012
UCA News: US nuncio surprises nuns' leaders with face to face meetingArticle by UCA News, May 31, 2012
NCR: Nearly 250 attend "Solidarity with Sisters" Rally in Washington, DCArticle by Alice Popovici, May 30, 2012
Rocco Palmo: US Nuncio +Viganò invites pro-LCWR protestors into DC Nunciature for chat and prayers. Photos: http://bit.ly/LHjAXQvia Twitter, May 30, 2012 (Rocco Palmo also writes "Whispers in the Loggia" at NCR)
Commonweal: Vatican (embassy) opens doors to nun protestersArticle by David Gibson, May 30, 2012
Religion News Service: Vatican (embassy) opens doors to nun protestersArticle by David Gibson, May 30, 2012
Vatican Embassy opens doors to vigilers praying for LCWRArticle by Rose Marie Berger, May 30, 2012
NCR: Vatican Embassy opens doors to protestersArticle by Maureen Fiedler, May 30, 2012
NCR highlights our rally plans: Alice Popovici, 5/21/2012After stinging report, Pope softens tone for US nuns - Reuters, 5/19/2012"I wish to reaffirm my deep gratitude" and hope that "this moment of discernment will bear abundant spiritual fruit for the revitalisation and strengthening of their communities...."NCR article on 4/18/12 doctrinal assessment of LCWR & Vatican mandate for bishop-led reform of LCWRVatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: 4/18/2012 Doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious
ABC News 12/27/12: Houston sisters squash stereotypes with successful careersA doctor, a lawyer, and a social worker live the gospel in the world, rooted in their communities and charisms as sisters.
Fordham conference 12/11/12: How American Catholic Sisters Shaped the ChurchFordham University in NYC is offering a free public conference that sounds great! "Catholic sisters have had a dramatic impact on the Church for generations. They built a massive parochial school system in the nineteenth century, sponsored women’s colleges long before the women’s movement, and founded hospitals and social services that still allow the Church to reach millions each year. Responding to Vatican II’s call for renewal in the 1960s, they expanded beyond these ministries—embracing social activism and missionary work, exploring fresh currents in spirituality and theology, and championing human dignity and rights. How has sisters’ ministry changed the face of the Church? What do they see as their primary calling today?"
Featuring Doris Gottemoeller, RSM, vice president, Catholic Health Partners and former president, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; Maria Theotokos Adams, SVMM, director of studies, Immaculate Conception Province, Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará; Miriam Ukeritis, CSJ, psychologist and CEO, Southdown Institute; Mary Johnson, SNDdeN, sociologist, Trinity Washington University; Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, theologian, Catholic Theological Union; Christine Firer Hinze, professor of theology, Fordham University.US sisters guided him out of tragedy; now he's archbishop. Support retired nuns!Archbishop Harry Flynn was orphaned as he began 7th grade. Sisters stepped in with skillful love and care and gave him the support needed to make it through the tragedy - all the way through high school. Consider a contribution to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Retirement Fund for Religious, or to the independent 25-year-old Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR). Nuns have been radical since their beginnings. Support them now in retirement!Political commentator Cokie Roberts reminds us of the radical actions of women religious in what became the USA - to educate girls, African Americans, Native Americans, poor immigrants; to create school systems and hospitals for needy people; to walk with and lift up people on the margins. "This country is a far fairer place, a place closer to fulfilling its promise for all its people because of the contributions of these determined and dedicated religious." Because many sisters work with people with few resources, they don't amass riches to support their retirement. Consider a contribution to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Retirement Fund for Religious, or to the independent 25-year-old Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR).
LCWR to receive prize for religious freedom in 2013LCWR will be awarded the 2013 Herbert Haag Prize for Freedom in the Church.
The entire brief announcement is a cogent recognition and amplification of LCWR's prophetic voice. E.g., "[This award to LCWR] reflects the energy and initiative with which the women religious renew and shape a Church open to the future. This award also wishes to give weight in Europe to the strong voice of these women, giving encouragement to those resigned to silence. If the Church wants to give hope to the coming generations, then it finds expression in the voice of Sr. Pat Farrell when she said at LCWR’s national assembly in August 2012: 'We are in a time of crisis and that is a hopeful place to be. Crisis precedes transformation.'”
The prize was endowed by Swiss theologian Herbert Haag (1915-2001), who taught Old Testament at the University of Tubingen, Germany. "This prize honors people and institutions that engage themselves in the spirit of the apostle Paul for freedom in the church and in doing so give witness to the world."
A major Italian newspaper has taken note.
Apostolic Visitation 2010 - is a report coming soon?Will a report be issued soon? Unclear, but maybe, according to NCR.
Change in leadership at Vatican congregation that oversees LCWRArchbishop Joseph Tobin, formerly secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (commonly known as the Congregation for Religious Life, or the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes), has been reassigned as archbishop of Indianapolis. Analysis by John L. Allen, Jr.
Call To Action honors Sister Pat Farrell with its Leadership AwardAt its annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 10, 2012, Call To Action honored LCWR past president Sister Pat Farrell, OSF, with its Leadership Award. CTA called her "a model of the best of Catholic leadership: where leaders invite communal discernment of the signs of the times in light of the gospel – and are not afraid to follow where the Spirit leads." Accepting the award, she thanked CTA and people everywhere for support, and underscored the sisters' solidarity with laity: "I'm also very confident that I speak for women religious around the country in assuring you that we also stand with you … that we walk side by side with the laity in our common effort to discern our way forward in our church. And how could it be otherwise? We share the same universal call to holiness declared at Vatican II."
Continuing to lead us all, Sister Pat said, "I believe that God's future is revealed to us precisely when the path is not clear. When there is no apparent way forward, perhaps the only way is down, to a place of deeper listening. That's what this moment asks of us.... We need to return again and again into the probing thoughtfulness of scripture, of the study of theology, and of genuine conversation with each other. The task of transformation -- and it's nothing less than that -- is neither quick nor easy. It needs the effort of every morning of every day."
Archbishop Fiorenzo causes USCCB not to ignore Catholic Social TeachingAt the annual meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, retired Archbishop Joseph Fiorenzo of Galveston-Houston challenged the bishops to recall Catholic Social Teaching and reject the proposed statement on the economy - and the bishops followed the powerful wisdom he espoused. This story relates to LCWR because Catholic sisters embody Catholic Social Teaching in their lives of solidarity with people on the margins, both here and in other countries.
LCWR & Archbishop Sartain's joint statement after 11/11/12 meetingThe three bishops delegates of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the tripartite presidency of LCWR (current president, president-elect, and past president), and the LCWR executive director met on Sunday, November 11. In a joint statement, LCWR president Sister Florence Deacon, OSF, and Archbishop Peter Sartain said simply: "The discussion was open and cordial and those present agreed to meet again to continue the conversation."
LCWR to meet with overseer bishops on Sunday, Nov. 11On the afternoon of Sunday, November 11 Sisters Florence Deacon, OSF; Carol Zinn, SSJ; Pat Farrell, OSF; and Janet Mock, CSJ will be meeting with the delegate appointed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to oversee the implementation of the doctrinal assessment of LCWR, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, as well as his two assistants, Bishop Leonard Blair and Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. The meeting will take place in Baltimore prior to the meeting of the USCCB, which the LCWR officers will also attend as observers. LCWR asks for prayers for everyone who will participate in Sunday's meeting.
LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Sister Pat Farrell, OSF on Learning to Swim in WinterOn page 2, Sister Pat Farrell reflects on the deep vitality of quiet time (as LCWR experienced in its 6 weeks of silence before the Assembly, and now again as it opens its dialog with Archbishop Sartain). "In the low-key, in-between times I have no doubt that something more is gestating, that God is bringing to birth what is needed now. I trust that the Spirit is readying us for whatever comes next." "Processes are at work both within us and beyond us, in what is seen and in what is unseen. What we know of discernment invites us to attentive awareness on all sides, as we listen our way into a faithful response to the kind of future towards which God is beckoning us."LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Sister Pat Farrell to receive CTA Leadership AwardFirst article: “It is this kind of leadership that is necessary to advance the dialogue and response to the accusations of those who would challenge the Gospel message of equality, unity, community, and empowerment of all women and men in the church. Maintaining an open heart and mind in matters about which we agree and disagree are central to Sr. Pat’s leadership style, approach, and message." Call To Action (CTA) will present its 2012 Call To Action leadership award to Sr. Pat Farrell, OSF, on November 10 at the CTA conference in Louisville, Kentucky.LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Order LCWR "Evolutionary Leadership" by 12/20LCWR Winter 2013 issue of LCWR's Occasional Papers will focus on Evolutionary Leadership. LCWR is showing the world a new model of prophetic leadership and these writings will help us understand it, live it, and maybe share it, teach it, make it contagious. $6 incl shipping, ORDERS DUE BY 12/20. See Newsletter, page 3.
LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Sign up - post-election "Circle of Protection" webinarLCWR invites us to be part of the "Circle of Protection" to resist budget cuts that undermine the lives, dignity, and rights of poor and vulnerable people. Register for a post-election webinar on "Strengthening the Circle of Protection after the Election" in context of US budget decisions Nov-Jan: Thursday, November 8 at 2:00 PM. Sponsored by diverse Christian coalition incl US Conf of Catholic Bishops, National Association of Evangelicals, Bread for the World, Salvation Army, Christian Churches Together in the USA, National Council of Churches and other Evangelical and mainline Protestants.LCWR Newsletter Nov. 2012 - Donate to cover LCWR registration for needy ordersSome smaller congregations can no longer afford to register as LCWR members. Donate to help them. Page 4 of newsletter. Checks or inquiries to LCWR at 8808 Cameron Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-588-4955.
Fr. Richard McBrien "showing support for LCWR in these trying times"His 10/29/12 NCRonline column recognizes nuns as "the greatest asset to the church in North America," briefly reviews the backlash to Vatican II (and names names), notes "the pall of sadness [that] now covers the church," and offers the perspective and hope of history to assure that "the pendulum will swing the other way. It always has."
Cardinal Muller (CDF head) on LCWR and "substantial fidelity"Italian journalist Paolo Rodari began his interview of Cardinal Muller, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that issued the mandate for LCWR renewal, by asking, "Why's wrong, you or them?" In reply, "Archbishop Gerhard Müller, 64, said he 'looks with sympathy' on groups such as LCWR [and all groups within the church], but at the same time that 'no group can set itself up as the source of authentic interpretation'' of church teaching. That role, Müller insisted, belongs to 'the pope and the bishops in communion with him,' who expect 'substantial fidelity' from the rest of the church." More in the 10/13/12 article by John L. Allen, Jr. Interview also online.
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, KY - mission takes root overseasWhen they arrived in Botswana, the Sisters of Charity mixed soil from India, Kentucky, Belize, and Botswana to symbolize their coming together in mission. Now, 12 years later, they are opening a formation program for Botswanan women who want to join the order - a joyous part of the celebration of the order's 200th anniversary.
October 2012 LCWR NewsletterThe newsletter is packed with Assembly info, resources, insights, photos, and president Sister Florence Deacon's reflections as well as contemplative insights from the Assembly. A few quick words to hold onto until you read the whole thing:
"As a beacon of fidelity, hope, prayer and community, and holding the ambiguities, questions, and pain, we are becoming the change we want to see in the church, for the life of the world.... We are on the brink of something crucial for the sake of God’s people." (from Contemplative Process Insights, page 5)
Association of US Catholic Priests to LCWR: "“We feel that our cause to keep alive the spirit and enthusiasm
of the Second Vatican Council could be given great impetus by learning from you.” (Sister Deacon's reflection, page 2)
LCWR executive director Sister Janet Mock connected two lay women with similar frustrations and hopes, and "and together the two formed a group called Jubilee Faithful in honor of the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Vatican Council II. Just by word of mouth their initial meeting attracted approximately 115 people, and subsequent gatherings continue to draw 20-somethings to 80-somethings.... Might this be a time for all of us to reach out to our neighbors and provide a place for people to come together to pray, share their stories of faith, and fortify one another to be a stronger church? What better way to celebrate the Year of Faith?" (Sister Florence Deacon's reflections, page 2)
LCWR has new officersFollowing the annual Assembly, the new officers of LCWR are Sisters Florence Deacon, OSF (president), Pat Farrell, OSF (past president), Carol Zinn, SSJ (president-elect), Sheila Megley, RSM (treasurer), Barbara Blesse, OP (secretary), and Janet Mock, CSJ (executive director). As the LCWR website says, "the LCWR president, president-elect, and past president work in collaboration and consultation with one another and with the secretary, treasurer and executive director of the LCWR national office." The website also shows current regional chairs as well as past presidents and executive directors.
Documentary "Band of Sisters" tells of Vatican II nuns - schedule it for your area!Chicago producer/director Mary Fishman's documentary had its premiere on 9/14/12. "Band of Sisters" introduces Catholic sisters from several congregations who have transformed themselves as directed by Vatican II, becoming workers for social justice - and increasingly in tension with more conservative parts of today's church. NCR tells about the filming. At the recent premiere, viewers were very enthusiastic - like Sister Beatrice Hernandez, who commented that "Maybe it will give them some insight into how religious life has changed since Vatican II and how sisters have remained faithful not only to the values of Vatican II but also the Gospel." You can schedule a screening at a parish, school, theater, or any gathering place in your area.
Democratic National Convention speech by Sister Simone Campbell, SSSIs Sister Simone the first Catholic sister to address a major US party's political convention? She's the executive director of Network, a Catholic social justice lobby, and was part of Network's "Nuns on the Bus" tour through nine states to highlight the work of Catholic Sisters, meet the people they serve, and learn about the harm that would be caused by the federal budget proposed by Vice Presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan. In her Sept. 5, 2012 speech to the Democratic convention, Sister Simone told of specific ways this budget would hurt people and reduce funding for services that Catholic sisters provide. She pointed out that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has also spoken out against the Ryan budget for these same reasons. She also advocated for dialog, not confrontation, as a means to find solutions in our badly polarized country - a theme that LCWR has consistently lifted up for us, and for which we offer resources and a blog on this website.
Cardinal Carlo Montini, SJ, esteemed leader in the church: final interviewAs Father James Martin, SJ, noted in his 9/1/12 post about the 8/31 death of Cardinal Montini: "It's hard to overstate his influence on Catholics in Italy, where he was seen as one of the chief promoters of dialogue with non-believers; and among his fellow bishops and archbishops, among whom he was a real voice for 'aggornamiento.' For those in Milan, he was a beloved pastor who welcomed everyone into conversation. For academics around the world, an esteemed Scripture scholar and rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. For many readers, a revered spiritual master who treasured his books. The Jesuits I met who went on retreat with him spoke of him in awed terms, as someone equally at home in Greek and Latin, as in Italian and English. More importantly, they spoke of him as a Jesuit who made his home in Scripture and allowed Scripture to make its home in him. I met him once (he was gracious and welcoming) after a lecture at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, but heard over the years many stories about his generosity, brilliance and great sense of humor. As Robert Mickens wrote in the Tablet's blog, the church and the world are much poorer without Cardinal Martini. May he rest in peace."
Cardinal Montini gave a final interview with Corriere della Sera, published the Saturday before his death. It's relevant to LCWR because the Cardinal spoke with blunt love about the need for changes in the church. The interview has been widely reported in summary form (e.g., NY Times, Commonweal, NCR) and is now available in full translation into English, thanks to Father Joseph Komoncheck and the Commonweal blog.
National Press Club speech by former LCWR president Sister Mary Hughes, OPOn August 16, 2012, the National Press Club featured Sister Mary Hughes, OP as its luncheon speaker. Other LCWR officials attended as well. The video is a great overview of LCWR history and the current challenges, decisions, and attitudes. Well worth the hour to listen, including the Q&A. Overview under this same headline is on another page.
LCWR statement on August 11, 2012 meeting with Archbishop Sartain"The LCWR board members believe they were able to express both their concerns and their feelings about the CDF report with great openness and honesty, and that Archbishop Sartain listened carefully." LCWR issued the full statement on August 13, 2012.
LCWR Assembly: Order DVDs or CDs of speeches and panelOrder a complete set or individual presentations through LCWR.
LCWR Assembly: August 10 closing press conference and other "behind the scenes"Jamie L. Manson's August 15, 2012 story in NCR, "LCWR's annual meeting: Some reflections and a little back story," illuminates the prayerful, communal, respectful stance of LCWR and the participants in the meeting. Story summary on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.
LCWR Assembly: August 10 press release summarizes next steps with CDFOn its 2012 Assembly website, LCWR includes major speeches (see below) as well as its August 10, 2012 press release which outlines the agenda and process of this prayerful gathering, highlights themes from major speakers, and provides a capsule of the LCWR decisions on how to proceed with regard to the bishops appointed to "reform" LCWR by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. More on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.LCWR Assembly: a journal from a participant, Sister Mary Lou, OSBJournal entries from the Assembly, posted on Sister Joan Chittister's Monasteries of the Heart.
LCWR Assembly: "Navigating the Shifts" address by Sister Pat Farrell, OSFPowerful, moving, wise address by outgoing president Sister Pat Farrell on August 10, 2012. Every word is worth our reflection so we can absorb and follow this path in solidarity with LCWR and Catholic sisters. Some highlights on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.
LCWR Assembly: Leadership Award address by Sister Sandra Schneiders, IHMBiblical scholar Sister Sandra Schneiders roots the present moment in scripture and history (past, present, and future!) in her address accepting the LCWR Leadership award on August 10, 2012. Highlights on our LCWR & Sisters - Background page.
LCWR Assembly: August 9, 2012 speakers and responsesLay speakers urged participants to "lead the reform of the Catholic Church that [the lay speakers] desire." When speakers suggested that the sisters "just say no" to the Vatican mandate, there were audible groans from the sisters. In a press conference themed “Contemplation and Dialogue: Means of Moving Into the Future,” one of the sisters said, "The thing I don’t think we ought to be risking is further splitting our Church and getting into more and more fragmentation. … We have to figure out how are we going to get through this together in a way that is respectful of the integrity of both parties.”
At the press conference, another sister told how hard the process has been and "it was the strength of the laity that made it possible for the sisters to walk through the crisis." May they all know that we are with them in solidarity and support!
Blog report by Ann Carey in NCR, August 9, 2012.
LCWR Assembly: Keynote address and early prayer, August 8, 2012Barbara Marx Hubbard told the LCWR Assembly that "you are the best seed-bed I know for evolving the church and the world in the 21st century." From a "conscious evolution" framework, Hubbard said, three "great questions" now face the world: "How will we use our technology and power for good? What story do we have to tell in order to imagine an ability to use our power that way? What kind of person do we have to be to handle all this power?" The answer to the third question, Hubbard said, "is the person inspired by the Christ. It is the person incarnating that aspect of Christ that is creative." NCR report by Joshua J. McElwee, August 8, 2012.
LCWR Assembly: Opening session August 7, 2012, in St. LouisOn August 8, NCR's Joshua J. McElwee reported on the Assembly background, agenda, attendees, and opening session, including comments by Sister Pat Farrell, St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson, and a representative from the Vatican’s Congregation for Religious, Oblate Fr. Hank Lemoncelli, who is attending the Assembly.
The report includes two beautiful reflections and prayers:
“I find within myself some concerns about our openness in giving ourselves the time it takes to perceive what God is doing among us, about how we will know for certain that we have uncovered the new, and about knowing when it is the right time to act. I wonder if we will have the discipline needed to take the time needed, God’s time, to free ourselves to proceed and to let the new rise up within us.” (from Sister Jane Burke, SSND, who died this past year and was LCWR executive director 2008-11)
“We abandon ourselves into your hands, O God. Keep our hearts soft and our minds open, as we wait for the truth of this moment to reveal itself.” (prayer ending the opening day of LCWR 2012 Assembly)
Former LCWR presidents comment after 8/7/12 pre-meeting before AssemblyIn preparation for the 2012 Assembly, current and past LCWR presidents met in closed session on August 7, 2012. NCR's Joshua J. McElwee reported that "The overall opinion of the group was that the LCWR could not unconditionally accept the Vatican’s mandate that the leadership conference reform its statutes and structures but neither did the group want to walk away from the canonical structure of the LCWR. The leaders hope to find a middle path, NCR was told, but they also want to give the Vatican a firm expression of how they understand themselves as religious, suggesting that the sisters do not 'necessarily' need to be part of formal church structures." Full report in NCR.
LCWR congregations & CMSWR congregations get equal numbers of new vocationsMary Johnson, SC, and Patricia Wittenberg, SNDdeN, reported on their brand-new study in the article "Reality Check" in the August 13, 2012 issue of America. They examined current data and found that almost equal numbers of women are in formation in US congregations associated with LCWR and congregations associated with the Conference of Major Superiors of Women Religious. Total numbers are not high, with 507 women at all stages of formation in LCWR congregations and 535 in CMSWR congregations; and because LCWR represents more sisters, its total reflects a lower proportion of women in formation.
The almost-equal number of recent entrants contradicts widely reported assumptions and assertions that LCWR congregations are not attracting new members. As James Martin, SJ, says in his commentary on the study, "To take a homey example, imagine a town with 80 Toyota dealerships and 20 Honda dealerships, where 300 people buy Toyotas and 300 buy Hondas. The conclusion would be that Toyotas and Hondas are equally popular, not that Toyota needs to go out of business."
Women in formation reflect the diversity of young US Catholics (61% white, 16% Latina, 16% Asian/Pacific Islander, 6% African American, and 1% other).
Looking to the future, the study's authors note that "Few are paying attention to the fine work of N.R.V.C. [the National Religious Vocation Conference] and the religious institutes from both leadership conferences that have initiated new vocation programs, which have galvanized the energy of the institutes and hold the promise of further growth in the near future." They conclude with awareness of both complexity and hope in the words of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ: "The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason to hope.”
The study was sponsored by Georgetown's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and by NRVC, which offers 11 quick "Mythbusters" from its findings.
August 7: "Sister cities" hold vigils as LCWR begins its AssemblyJoin in prayer for LCWR on August 7! Cities large and small, all over the USA, will hold vigils for the July 7-11 Assembly..
LCWR prepares for August assembly; Papal Nuncio Vigano commentsNY Times for July 28, 2012, "Nuns Weigh Response to Scathing Vatican Rebuke" by Laurie Goodstein. Excerpts: "American nuns are preparing to assemble in St. Louis next week for a pivotal meeting.... At issue are questions of obedience and autonomy, what it means to be a faithful Catholic and different understandings of the Second Vatican Council.... 'The church must speak with one voice,' Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the papal nuncio to the United States, said in an address in June to American bishops at their meeting in Atlanta. 'We all know that the fundamental tactic of the enemy is to show a church divided.' He added pointedly that at this 'difficult time,' there is a special need for women and men in religious orders, and for Catholic universities, to 'take on an attitude of deep communion' with the bishops."
LCWR newsletter: Power, Authority, and WisdomLCWR's August-September 2012 newsletter, page 2, features past president Mary Hughes, OP's reflections, concluding: "Now, more than ever, we need to pray to have the kind of authority possessed by Jesus. The contemplative process will continue to connect us deeply with God and with one another. We will work to see that all authority is used to liberate and bring gospel freedom to those whose hearts are hungry and open. There may be times we stand in silence. While it can
be tempting to lash back in anger or hurt, we will pray without ceasing for the wisdom to use our power and authority as they are intended, rather than in a retaliatory fashion. We will, like Jesus, gently and firmly speak the truth. 'Who is it that gave you this authority?' Our lives will continue to reveal our source."Bishop Leonard Blair underscores importance of LCWR obedience within the hierarchical church - interviewed on NPR's "Fresh Air"Following the July 17 interview of LCWR president Sister Pat Farrell on NPR's "Fresh Air," on the July 25 program Terry Gross interviewed Bishop Blair, one of the three bishops appointed to oversee LCWR reform. "Bishop Explains Vatican Criticism of US Nuns" - article and audio - NPR, July 25, 2012
"Love Cannot Be Silenced: The People's Response to the Vatican Investigation of U.S. Sisters"5-minute youtube video composed and sung by Sister Kathy Sherman, CSJ, June 18, 2012
Missing the Mark: What the CDF gets wrong about the LCWRA tradition-minded Catholic sister (attends daily Mass, Adoration and Benediction, prays the Rosary daily and wears a habit) on why she feels the Vatican investigation of the LCWR is "unsubstantiated" and the sanctions "disproportionate." Article by Sister Y in Commonweal, July 18, 2012.
Sister Pat Farrell, LCWR president, expresses wish for dialogue on complex issues - interviewed on NPR's "Fresh Air""There are issues about which we think there's a need for a genuine dialogue, and there doesn't seem to be a climate of that in the church right now... In my mind, [I want] to see if we can somehow, in a spirited, nonviolent strategizing, look for maybe a third way that refuses to define the mandate and the issues in such black and white terms." "An American Nun Responds to Vatican Criticism" - article and audio - NPR, July 17, 2012
Great perspective! "Into the Future: The Journey of Women Religious Since Vatican II"Article by Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM, in America magazine, July 16, 2012
Interesting brief interview with Archbishop Muller as new head of CDFArchbishop Gerhard Muller granted his first interview, after his appointment, to KNA, the German bishops' news agency (in German), on July 4, 2012. Dutch Catholic blog In Caelo et in Terra has provided a translation to English.
Bio for Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller, new head of CDFAt Bistum Regensburg (the Diocese of Regensburg site, I think?) and at Wikipedia.
Both House & Senate propose a resolution "Honoring Catholic Sisters for Their Contributions to the United States"Full text is the same in both House and Senate versions. Check House and Senate status & co-sponsors. Contact your Representative and Senators to ask them to support House Resolution 689 (introduced 6/18/12) and Senate Resolution 515 (introduced 6/28/12). (It took me about 5 minutes to do all 3 of mine.)
Change of leadership at Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Archbishop-designate Gerhard Ludwig Muller replaces Cardinal William LevadaThe CDF is the Vatican organization that issued the April 18 directive for 3 bishops to take control of LCWR. New York Times article by Rachel Donadio, July 2, 2012. Article by John L. Allen, July 2, 2012, NCR.
Spiritan fathers & brothers express support for LCWRArticle by Joshua J. McElwee, July 2, 2012, NCR.
LCWR Newsletter for July 2012News and perspectives - and a beautiful reflection on dialog by Sister Pat Farrell, on page 2..
East-coast Augustinian fathers & brothers send letter of supportSt. Thomas of Villanova province of the Augustinian Friars "offer their support." Article by Joshua J. McElwee, June 29, 2012, NCR.
LCWR: Vatican meeting "difficult," with "differing perspectives"Article by Joshua J. McElwee, June 18, 2012, NCR.
LCWR statement: LCWR continues discernment about CDF mandatePress release, June 18, 2012
More priests, brothers express support for LCWRThe Cincinnati province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and the international head office of the Xaverian brothers wrote separate letters to LCWR on June 8 and June 9, respectively, to express "gratitude" and "appreciation" for the work of U.S. Sisters. The Xaverians' letter notes, "We greatly respect the way in which you have responded prayerfully, collaboratively and authentically to the initial assessment by the CDF. We hope and pray that the integrity of your response will help to bring about a dialog marked by mutuality, trust, honesty and transparency. Our society and our church -- both so marred by divisiveness and polarization today -- need this witness.". Article by Joshua J. McElwee, June 14, 2012, NCR.
Diane Rehm Show about LCWRInterview with Maureen Fiedler, John Allen, and Stephen White, June 14, 2012
Archbishop Sartain: "My goal is to build relationships and go from there."Illuminating interview by Joshua J. McElwee, June 13, 2012, NCR.
WE PRAYED WITH THE PAPAL NUNCIO, AS LCWR AND THE CDF MET IN ROMEJune 12, 2012, Washington, DC -- Early this morning, the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano and members of the Solidarity with Sisters organizing committee joined in celebration of the Eucharist, offering shared prayer as LCWR and the CDF meet today. Read full report.
LCWR, CDF have "open" meetingArticle including LCWR statement & comment by LCWR President, by Dennis Coday, June 12, 2012, NCR.
Vatican official warns of "dialog of the deaf" with LCWRArticle reporting Cardinal Levada's comments after the CDF-LCWR meeting, John L. Allen, Jr., June 12, 2012, NCR.
LCWR statement on meeting with CDF Press release, June 12, 2012
Statement of the Holy See Press Office on CDF-LCWRStatement "concerning the Meeting at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith about the Doctrinal Assessment of the LCWR," June 12, 2012
Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM)"Comments of the CMSM on the LCWR Situation," June 8, 2012
LCWR statement: LCWR board meets to review CDF reportPress release, June 1, 2012
Franciscan Friars: Open Letter the the United States Catholic Sisters7 provinces of Friars Minor declare solidarity with US Catholic Sisters, May 31, 2012
LCWR AssemblyMystery Unfolding: Leading in the Evolutionary Now, St. Louis, MO, August 7-12, 2012
WHAT HAPPENED AT 5/29/12 RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH CATHOLIC SISTERS?On the bright and hot Tuesday after Pentecost, May 29, 2012, about 200 people gathered in a park near the Vatican Embassy. We rallied with prayer, song, and speeches; then marched to the Vatican Embassy, where a delegation met with the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, and gave him our letter for Pope Benedict XVI, which also had 645 online signatures. Later he came outside to talk with rally participants. See full report, speeches, and photos.
(NOTE: Rally organizers do not represent and are entirely independent from LCWR. None of the organizing team and none of the people who met with Archbishop Vigano are women religious.) PRESS COVERAGE OF THE RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH CATHOLIC SISTERS, 5/29/2012LaStampa.it: U.S. nuns reject Vatican's accusationsVatican Insider column, June 1, 2012
Catholic Free Press: LCWR board responds to Vatican order for reform of organizationArticle by Catholic Free Press, June 1, 2012
Catholic Canada: "The Report Has Caused Scandal" - picks up Rocco Palmo article belowMention in article, June 1, 2012
Whispers in the Loggia Blog: "The Report Has Caused Scandal" -- On Call for "Renewal," The Sisters RespondOur meeting with Archbishop Vigano is referenced in article by Rocco Palmo, June 1, 2012
UCAN India: US nuncio surprises nuns' leaders with face to face meetingArticle by UCAN India, May 31, 2012
CatholicHerald.co.uk: Morning Catholic must-reads 31/05/12Reference by Luke Coppen, May 31, 2012
UCA News: US nuncio surprises nuns' leaders with face to face meetingArticle by UCA News, May 31, 2012
NCR: Nearly 250 attend "Solidarity with Sisters" Rally in Washington, DCArticle by Alice Popovici, May 30, 2012
Rocco Palmo: US Nuncio +Viganò invites pro-LCWR protestors into DC Nunciature for chat and prayers. Photos: http://bit.ly/LHjAXQvia Twitter, May 30, 2012 (Rocco Palmo also writes "Whispers in the Loggia" at NCR)
Commonweal: Vatican (embassy) opens doors to nun protestersArticle by David Gibson, May 30, 2012
Religion News Service: Vatican (embassy) opens doors to nun protestersArticle by David Gibson, May 30, 2012
Vatican Embassy opens doors to vigilers praying for LCWRArticle by Rose Marie Berger, May 30, 2012
NCR: Vatican Embassy opens doors to protestersArticle by Maureen Fiedler, May 30, 2012
NCR highlights our rally plans: Alice Popovici, 5/21/2012After stinging report, Pope softens tone for US nuns - Reuters, 5/19/2012"I wish to reaffirm my deep gratitude" and hope that "this moment of discernment will bear abundant spiritual fruit for the revitalisation and strengthening of their communities...."NCR article on 4/18/12 doctrinal assessment of LCWR & Vatican mandate for bishop-led reform of LCWRVatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: 4/18/2012 Doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious