9 November 2024 We have been quietly waiting… For the English translation of the Final Document of the recent Synod on Synodality. When it comes, we will be able to share more on its message about the diaconate in general and women’s potential roles. In the meantime, I would love to share an article writtenContinue reading “The Quiet Revolution… Joanna Thyer’s Recent Experience and Reflections”
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Reflections on the Discussion on Women Deacons – 15th October, 2024, Rome
Joanna Thyer, 24/10/24 Recently, one of our members of Australian Catholics Exploring the Diaconate was a panel speaker in Rome at another side-of-the-Synod event. Thank you, Joanna! She shares her experience here in her own words. My feeling about speaking at this adjunct event for the Synod – about women who feel called to theContinue reading “Reflections on the Discussion on Women Deacons – 15th October, 2024, Rome”
A Vital Force in the Life of the Church
Deacon Rosie Stower, 17 October 2024 Rosie’s call to the diaconate in the Anglican Church was “totally unexpected”, yet she has pioneered a model that has resulted in many graces, for herself and others. Rosie was baptised as a child, but left the church in her early 20s to explore various other spiritualities and faiths.Continue reading “A Vital Force in the Life of the Church”
The Last Gelato
Elizabeth Young rsm, 6 October 2024 Ah, the last gelato in Rome… We began today (Sunday) with English-speaking Mass at the Caravita. It was a beautiful space of communion, with chairs facing each other and a welcoming feel. The priest did an incredible job at making sense of the readings – or finding ways toContinue reading “The Last Gelato”
St Lawrence and St Stephen, Pray for Us!
Elizabeth Young rsm, 5 October 2024 Firstly, I woke up very moved and buoyed by the support of people back home who have carried me by prayer, encouragement, donations and in so many other ways. You have truly been a blessing that has kept myself, and all of us, walking this pilgrimage in joy andContinue reading “St Lawrence and St Stephen, Pray for Us!”
St Francis of Assisi, Pray for Us!
Elizabeth Young rsm, 4 October 2024 Today was the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, that wonderful patron of ecology who was actually ordained a deacon in his lifetime, though not a priest. When we had our first icebreaker as a Discerning Deacons group, I had named him as my favourite saint. We began theContinue reading “St Francis of Assisi, Pray for Us!”
St Phoebe, Pray for Us!
Elizabeth Young rsm, 3 October 2024 We had a very big day today, with several events all centered around the deacon St Phoebe, who was St Paul’s emissary to … Rome! The clouds rained all day, as did my nose, and I hope I haven’t passed germs on to anyone. Firstly, a delegation of ourContinue reading “St Phoebe, Pray for Us!”
The Synod’s Opening Mass
Elizabeth Young rsm, 2 October 2024 Today we lined up with the great masses for a wonderful start to the Synod: Opening Mass. What struck me at first was the colourful pageant of Synod delegates in the entrance procession, followed by great lines of bishops, priests and a lone permanent deacon. We sang along withContinue reading “The Synod’s Opening Mass”
The Church in Penance
Elizabeth Young rsm, 1 October 2024 This evening we joined Pope Francis, the members of the Synod assembly and well over a thousand others in St Peter’s Basilica. It was a Penitential Service, a public event on the eve of the Synod’s opening. When we arrived early in the square, the Vatican guards didn’t seemContinue reading “The Church in Penance”
Received in Rome: With Papa Francesco
Elizabeth Young rsm, 30 September 2024 In yesterday’s first reading, for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Moses said, “If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets, and the Lord gave his Spirit to them all!” Well, today’s experience felt like the Spirit speaking through voices from all around the world. On ourContinue reading “Received in Rome: With Papa Francesco”
Liturgy on the Margins 