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There was an excellent essay published on CatholicCulture.org about Pope Benedict XVI and the role of women in the church. As you may know, the Bible Synod is wrapping up, but what you may not know is that there were a number of women, some of them quite young, in attendance.

Some gems from the essay:

…[B16] oversaw the publication of the CDF document On the Collaboration of Men and Women. Long convinced that women suffer the most from the confusion of gender roles in the modern world, he helped to shape a document that would clarify the unique nature of women while at the same time affirming that women have a role to play in every aspect of society. Benedict thus appears positioned to take the conversation on women in the Church to the next phase.

In reading his encyclicals and other writings, I don’t see why certain Catholics have such hostility toward the Holy Father. He is a brilliant man, and like the writer implies, understands the problems we women face in this modern age.

Those who identify themselves as conservative are often quick to dismiss feminism. One may not agree with the conclusions of feminist thinkers, but this in no way reduces the significance of the questions they have addressed.

Very true. Once I get some more time I’m going to write a different post on feminism and the Catholic woman. I’ve seen websites for “ladies against feminism” and such, which I think is a slightly misguided viewpoint. Now that I’m thinking about it, I may start another thread entirely unpacking JP II’s teachings on the feminine genius. But more on that later.

Women religious from around the world, most particularly from the western part, addressed their role within the Church and asked for more power. Mother Teresa responded simply that these women needed to fall in love with their spouse, who is Jesus.

Good ‘ol Mother Teresa, a true feminine model for us all.

When you have some time, I would highly suggest sitting down and reading the entire essay. You can find it here.

~Rebecca