There are priceless literary works I have discovered during my Catholic journey. Without hesitation, I would say Sr. Joan Chittister’s book, In Search of Belief, has touched me most profoundly. I could have underlined nearly every sentence in the book. There are two sentences that grabbed me with profound spiritual awe. A simple sentence had an unending impact: “We buy statues of Mary and ignore the women at her feet.” The sentence had been read. I will never be the same!
To Protestants and Catholic who have left Christ’s Church, perhaps the most enigmatic and paradoxical figure is that of Mary.
With John Paul II there has been a revival or Marian Theology and contemplation. His devotion to the rosary—the very instrument we use to connect to Christ through Mary—was without parallel. The Luminous Mysteries were created and added to the rosary by John Paul II. Such mysteries gave Mary even greater devotion. From the Throne of Peter, a very clear answer came, The Assumption of Mary is an absolute—her place in the Church firm!
There has been multiple Marian apparitions—some recognized by the Vatican—others not. Either way, Vatican II created a clear path to expand the understanding of Mary. In her apparitions her words have been that of peace and faith. Peace and faith aren’t passive qualities!
Here we have a woman (Mary) that was willing to stand up against the patriarchal hierarchy of the day, defined by dogma and bigotry. How is it that Christ came to create equality of the feminine and we have a new patriarchal system in the Catholic faith content to define gender roles? Above the Apostles was placed Mary. Among Jesus final words during the Passion were those giving Mary as a gift to the entire planet.
Our Catholic body has always been held together by the power of the feminine: St. Joan of Arc and St. Catherine of Siena. Godliness—in His very likeness—requires one own their potential, regardless of the biology of gender. Here is the pinnacle of the need for radical change in the way we see Mary. Her Fiat! Her worth!

There have been recent reports by the United Nations dispensing the heinous crimes against women. I recall Mother Theresa’s words, “The Devil seeks not so much to destroy us as to destroy the God inside us.” The Church needs awoken when it comes to the value of women. The radical nature of Jesus teaching of women is lacking in the face of the modern-day Church. A society that feels as though they can create laws telling a woman what to do and not to do (i.e. reproductive rights), is one that still exalts the male and downplays the dignity of a woman. Inequality in wages for women is a call for us to be empowered by Mary. Christ was the ultimate payment and Mary was a willing employee, and employee that will surpass what any man shall do upon this earth. As new movements gather for women ordination and recognition in the Church, I hope Catholics listen to the call and bravery embodied by Mary.

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