I wear a mantilla (chapel veil) at Mass and I am definitely not a doormat. Now that I have been wearing one for many years (having reverted to this practice of my Catholic childhood and youth) I am surprised that more women don't do so - unless they attend Latin Masses. Covering our heads differentiates us from men; it is a sign of reverence for our life-giving mothering potentiality; it is a mark of respect for the liturgical Rite we are entering into (etc!).
Another thing: the more one comes to know Our Lady, the greater, stronger and more magnificent she becomes - as a human being and a woman. She is no doormat and we should not let the insidious feminist lobby, both inside and outside the Church, distract us from our divine destiny.
And there are so many splendid examples of woman saints in the Church: for bravery in battle and at her martyrdom, there is St Joan of Arc. For intellect, there is St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. For literary merit, there is St Teresa of Avila. For political wisdom there is St Catherine of Siena. For simplicity, there is St Bernadette of Lourdes. For educational vision there is St Elizabeth Seton. For courage there is St Margaret Clitherow. For visions there is St Margaret Mary. I could go on.
I had a chuckle with your previous footnote about Jean Paul Sartre (he was my "favorite" philosopher for a few years in college, although I don't think I actually understood anything of his I read).
I also relate to the stubborn reaction to Bishop Barron recommendations...thankfully I conceded as well.
I've really enjoyed your series. Thanks for writing it out.
Amen, sister. Welcome home. The Hound of Heaven surely chased you. I'm a revert so I get it, except for the Protestant infusions. Blessings upon you.
Thank you! He chased me indeed.
I wear a mantilla (chapel veil) at Mass and I am definitely not a doormat. Now that I have been wearing one for many years (having reverted to this practice of my Catholic childhood and youth) I am surprised that more women don't do so - unless they attend Latin Masses. Covering our heads differentiates us from men; it is a sign of reverence for our life-giving mothering potentiality; it is a mark of respect for the liturgical Rite we are entering into (etc!).
Another thing: the more one comes to know Our Lady, the greater, stronger and more magnificent she becomes - as a human being and a woman. She is no doormat and we should not let the insidious feminist lobby, both inside and outside the Church, distract us from our divine destiny.
And there are so many splendid examples of woman saints in the Church: for bravery in battle and at her martyrdom, there is St Joan of Arc. For intellect, there is St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. For literary merit, there is St Teresa of Avila. For political wisdom there is St Catherine of Siena. For simplicity, there is St Bernadette of Lourdes. For educational vision there is St Elizabeth Seton. For courage there is St Margaret Clitherow. For visions there is St Margaret Mary. I could go on.
This was a wonderfully reflective series!
I had a chuckle with your previous footnote about Jean Paul Sartre (he was my "favorite" philosopher for a few years in college, although I don't think I actually understood anything of his I read).
I also relate to the stubborn reaction to Bishop Barron recommendations...thankfully I conceded as well.
Praise God!