Here is my latest catholic dialogue column for the Prairie Messenger, Benedictine Sisters: women of vision, daughters of faith. This column, a tribute to some very dear friends, was a joy and privilege to write.
Also, check out a wonderful essay on Good Pope John from the PM’s archives, written by Rev. Andrew Britz, OSB. I so need to hear more about the good women and men who embodied the optimistic spirit of Vatican II. And this good pope surely did.
Who are your Vatican II heroes?
One of my favorites is the late Fr. Thomas Berry, the ultimate environmentalist, author of “The Great Works” Dream of Earth etc.
My Vatican II hero was Fr Ed Hays. He was our high school chaplain & got us all excited about the possibility of changes in liturgy & church practices that resonated with rich symbolism & meaning. It breathed new life into our spirituality. Later he was the pastor at our parish when we were first married. He continued to feed my spiritually with his delightful homilies & many thought-provoking books. Through them I learned to trust curiosity & quirkiness as as spiritual virtues. & see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Sr. Joan Chittister is another Vatican II hero for me. Oooooo….another Benedictine sister!