Tony Flannery

The efforts made by the Vatican to silence discussion on the ordination of women over the past 50 years have been both unsuccessful and unwise. In 1975, Pope Paul VI declared that the Catholic Church “does not consider herself authorised to admit women to ordination”.
This was followed a year later by a document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), which stated that the priest is a sign, and for that sign to be perceptible, “a natural resemblance” to Christ is required.

I have just finished reading Tom Roberts biography of Joan Chittister. I put together this reflection as a result of what I read. With acknowledgement to Tom Roberts wonderful book, about a remarkable woman:

Reading Tom Roberts biography of Joan Chittister, and in particular the account of her dealings with the Vatican, stirred up a lot of memories and emotions for me.
Joan had been invited by Myra Poole to speak at a conference on women’s ordination to be held in Dublin in 2001.

My few days in Rome with the Women’s Ordination Movements were both enjoyable and stimulating. I met a great many interesting people. The three young women who are in the leadership of WOW, Miriam, Kate and Erin, are so full of energy, committment and courage. It is good to know them.
Below is how the event was covered by the National Catholic Reporter:

Advocates for the ordination of women to the Roman Catholic priesthood marked the 20th anniversary of the founding of their movement in Rome with a three-day conference that culminated today with a pilgrim’s walk down the Via della Conciliazione to St.