CNWE Members (Louise Dowhan is holding the “Voices” card)
Louise Dowhan talks to Marcy Markusa about why she thinks women should hold positions like priests and what that change might bring within the Church.
Listen here:
October 3, 2023, Roma.
Our spot in Rome is extraordinary. While the rooms are simple but spacious and lovely, we have an exquisite view from our rooftop terrace. We all gathered together last night for the first time to share a simple meal of bread, wine, olives, cheese and grapes. Breaking bread with CNWE is such a special time.
Several of us visited the Catacombs of Priscilla: Jeanie, Nancy, Louise, Susan, Roberta and myself. We walked 700 metres along dark narrow pathways into the period of the 3rd century. For me there was a sense of going back in time to a period that was so rich for the Christian community. From my readings/ understanding of history Priscilla was prominent in the church. Many suggest that she was a priest. The image of her in the mosaic clearly resembles someone praying, presiding over a ritual. She is acknowledged to be a wealthy woman who donated land for the catacombs. Similarly to tombs through time there’s a great range of very simple tombs to very elaborate.
Dating from the early 3rd century is the first known image of the Nativity. The image showing a character from the Old Testament confirms the messianic idea of the prophesy, of the universal annunciation.
We walked back to our residence via the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens, stopping for wonderful drinks. At 4 pm, wearing our purple stoles, we all gathered at St. Praxedes for our ritual with WOW/WOC. We had an opportunity in this beautiful church to see the famous mosaic of Theodora. I was lucky to be accompanied by Susan Roll at that moment. She explained that the square surrounding Theodora meant she was still alive at the time of the creation of the mosaic. Though the last part of her name is not clear, her title is! Episcopa – the “a” indicates a woman and a bishop.
Following we mingled and celebrated on the beautiful rooftop terrace of Mecenate Palace Hotel. I spoke with journalist /writer Michael Higgins and activists from Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, India as well as United States.
The photo is of Louise Dowhan with the spectacular view behind her.
Some of the words of the service resonate still. Barb (WOC) asked, “Who can bless? Who can be blessed?” Inspired by a prayer:
“May we in CNWE use our power of wisdom, anger, humour, heartbreak and hope to comfort (and confront) this world, to create a kindom: a radically loving inclusion.”
To bless and be blessed. May it be so!
Mary-Ellen Morgenstern
Louise Dowhan is one of nine Canadians from the Catholic Network for Women’s Equality who are in Rome for an important synod at the Vatican to call for the full and equal participation of women in ministry and leadership in the Catholic Church. (source: CBC Listen)
Listen to Louise Dowhan’s interview on The Weekend Morning Show (Manitoba) on the CBC Radio (October 1, 2023):
Winnipegger joins international group attending synod at the Vatican
Louise Dowhan during interview in Rome
From the Winnipeg Free Press:
Winnipegger Louise Dowhan is going to Rome to deliver a message — that it’s time for the Roman Catholic Church to let women be priests and deacons.
Read the full article here:
Winnipegger carries women’s rights message to Catholic synod