A Slap in the Face
Cardinal Francis Rode, who is heading the Vatican Investigation (Inquisition) of American women religious (he who has been photographed wearing a red silk train nearly six meters long), has chided religious orders for turning to “foreign vocations” in Asia and Africa. He said that the orders have to remember that “quality of vocations is more important than quantity” (The Southern Cross, 17-23 February).
What a slap in the face to African and Asian women and men who have discerned a call to religious life and have entered religious congregations, whether founded in their own countries or in the West. Rode seems to assume that vocations from these parts of the world are somehow deficient.
Yes, quantity must not be mistaken for quality, which is a reminder to some places in Africa and Asia which are overflowing with young men who want to be priests.
But the Cardinal’s assumption is a very dangerous one.
One of the reasons he launched the Inquisition of American women religious is that the number of women entering religious life in the United States has diminished in the last thirty years or so. American sisters should tell the Cardinal, “We are looking for quality, not quantity. It is better that three excellent women enter per year than thirty mediocre women.”
- Sr Sue Rakoczy: What Restricts Women in Taking Leadership - September 14, 2020
- Shameful Behaviour of Some Priests - August 29, 2017
- NCR ends online comments - January 15, 2014
