Sister Pat Farrell discusses dramatic life
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Though she is at the center of one of the biggest crises in the Catholic Church today, Sister Pat Farrell is loath to talk about herself, and certainly not in any way that would make her a focus of the looming showdown between the Vatican and American nuns.
To be sure, Farrell has spoken publicly and with quiet clarity about why the organization she heads, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, rejects Rome’s plans to take control of the umbrella group that represents most of the 57,000 nuns in the U.S.
In announcing its proposed takeover last April, the Vatican accused the nuns of embracing a “radical feminism” that questions church teachings and focuses too much on social justice causes. Farrell says the American sisters are simply doing what the gospel requires, often speaking on behalf of so many in the church who have no one else to advocate for them.
The high-profile confrontation will reach another crucial pass next week (Aug. 7-10) when LCWR members gather in St. Louis to develop a formal response to the Vatican’s plans. Options run the gamut from complying with all of Rome’s directives (unlikely) to decertifying the group and re-establishing it outside of the pope’s control (a possibility).
But it is Farrell’s own life — a vocation that has taken her from the Iowa heartland to ministry in Pinochet’s Chile and war-ravaged El Salvador and back again to Iowa — that may be the best way to understand the root of Rome’s clash with the nuns, and why it may not be going away anytime soon, much as Farrell wishes it would.
“I’ve had a dramatic life, I really have. But the drama of it is not what’s important,” says Farrell, a soft-spoken, 65-year-old Franciscan who eventually, if hesitatingly, agreed to discuss her more than two decades in Latin America. “The best of what we do is not about high drama.”
Indeed, behind the drama is a story of service to the poor, advocacy for the marginalized, and a radical spirituality that has profoundly shaped Farrell and many nuns like her — as well as shaped the identity of the LCWR. Viewed in this context, the standoff is not a political struggle or power play as much as a contrast of complementary roles and experiences in the church. [More]
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13 Comments
Ann, no reason to try reason with the un reasonable. Folks who let their rear end do their thinking. Like trying to talk engineering with someone who never studied calculus nor has a calculator ! Give it up.
Michael — “Sister” Farrel has been “deceived by the Evil One, (has) become vain in (her) reasonings, and (has) exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and served the creature rather than the Creator” (CCC, paragraph 844).
Wow! I know alot of nuns just like her. The difference is, they are faithful to the teachings of Christ and His Church and realize that their vocation is not about them, it’s about Jesus. Too bad these traditional nuns who have suffered much for the faith are never given credit or respect. Only those who oppose the Church’s teachings are seen as one who is to be acknowleged. Of course, If Sr. Farrel were faithful to the church’s moral teachings on abortion, contraception and homosexual marriage, she wouldn’t have all this recognition.
She is not a Nun Michael. She is a none, neither a Catholic or a religious. She is a femenist out for her self and those like her, not for what she should be in the church. Where is her habit, probably can’t even spell it. How do you respect women like these women. I doubt many outside of their group or idelogical realm have any respect for her or her group of rouge beatties.
Roy — I think I would enjoy having a beer with you!
You know, you’re a straight-talking guy — you call a spade a spade, and aren’t afraid to do so. You don’t tip-toe around. We need more people like you who are faithful Catholics, and willing to say what needs to be said.
You are such name callers. Enjoy your beers!
Thanks, dear. Can I buy you a glass of sweet red wine?
No.
What kind would you like?
No means no Jim. Check your favorite tool: the dictionary.
Ann — wow, that’s weird — everytime I type in the word “no” at dictionary.com, it comes back with the following definition: “the interpreteation of the word ‘no’ varies depending on the person who utters it. If it is a person by the name of Ann, it probably means ‘yes.’” Weird. How sweet do you like your wine?
You don’t know how to use a dictionary Jim.