Article published May 12, 2009
Women of faith merit respect
Thank you for your articles, letters, and comments you have published regarding the Vatican visitation of U.S. communities of women religious. I am a Dominican sister who has professed for 55 years in the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary, Adrian. I reside in our retirement facility in Adrian.
You can count me as one who was born Catholic and who is filled with gratitude for my faith and for the church that has nurtured my spiritual life.
I have ministered as teacher, school principal, campus minister, and Provincial.
My story of dedicated service is similar to every woman religious who has vowed her life to God. I have been in the trenches and the leadership and I believe I’ve seen and heard most everything, but nothing like this. It is my understanding that congregations were not consulted on this investigative process or provided with any substantive information as to the purpose behind it.
I am deeply hurt and saddened that, in my elder years, the Vatican believes it necessary to question my life and faithfulness. That the first interest the Vatican has ever shown in my life and ministry comes shrouded in secrecy and suspicion is deeply troubling to me. What could possible be the rationale or defense for such an approach?
Like Anna in Luke’s gospel (2:33 and 37), my life has been lived out in the “proverbial temple” of religious life. I have served with integrity and here I will die — but not before I am investigated by the Vatican! American women religious deserve better.
Sister Patricia McCarty, OP
Adrian
Women of faith merit respect
Thank you for your articles, letters, and comments you have published regarding the Vatican visitation of U.S. communities of women religious. I am a Dominican sister who has professed for 55 years in the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary, Adrian. I reside in our retirement facility in Adrian.
You can count me as one who was born Catholic and who is filled with gratitude for my faith and for the church that has nurtured my spiritual life.
I have ministered as teacher, school principal, campus minister, and Provincial.
My story of dedicated service is similar to every woman religious who has vowed her life to God. I have been in the trenches and the leadership and I believe I’ve seen and heard most everything, but nothing like this. It is my understanding that congregations were not consulted on this investigative process or provided with any substantive information as to the purpose behind it.
I am deeply hurt and saddened that, in my elder years, the Vatican believes it necessary to question my life and faithfulness. That the first interest the Vatican has ever shown in my life and ministry comes shrouded in secrecy and suspicion is deeply troubling to me. What could possible be the rationale or defense for such an approach?
Like Anna in Luke’s gospel (2:33 and 37), my life has been lived out in the “proverbial temple” of religious life. I have served with integrity and here I will die — but not before I am investigated by the Vatican! American women religious deserve better.
Sister Patricia McCarty, OP
Adrian
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