Looking at the role of women through the lens of the synodal path, Pope Francis’ decision to address his letters to the people of God as brothers and sisters represents a significant step toward greater inclusion and sets a tone of equality and harmony. By avoiding titles and using inclusive language, he emphasized unity and connectedness within the Church, deeply resonating with the spirit of the Synod. His consistent emphasis on the indispensable role of religious women underscores the importance of embracing women’s theology and recognizing the unique contributions women make to both the Church and society, embodying compassion, love and teaching through their feminine essence.
In our lives as religious women, the path of growth often requires us to break free from attachments and embrace change. While it is natural to reflect on loss, our spiritual journey calls us to focus on the opportunities for growth and renewal that lie before us. Rooted in the divine feminine, which symbolizes the birth of new life and newness, religious women are called to cultivate a mindset of continuous growth and development.
Despite the challenges involved in letting go of things that no longer serve us, many of us experience a sense of completion as we downsize, grow older, close our offices, and sell property. Yes, this process can be painful. However, in such moments, we are reminded of the wisdom of St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, who said, “If the Congregation is still composed of eight sisters, do not worry, for you are committed to a noble mission. This mission is not yours alone, but God’s.” When we feel like we are nearing the conclusion of certain chapters in our lives, letting go can feel like losing part of our identity. Conversely, learning the art of growth through letting go offers a new perspective on our pain.
I attended a Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois. The service was in Spanish and I was glad I understood the homily. An important insight from the Gospel reading was the story of how Jesus appeared to Thomas and the other disciples after the resurrection. Jesus showed them his wounds and said, “Peace be with you.” Despite his wounds, he did not let his pain speak for itself. As the priest said in Spanish, “It wasn’t that long ago” (He is wounded but not hurt). The message resonated with me: We should let our peace speak through us, not the pain we carry because of our wounds.
God has blessed us with the feminine aspect, which embodies the essence of creation and renewal. Like mothers giving birth to new life, we religious are called to nurture and cultivate newness within ourselves and our communities. This divine gift reminds us of our innate ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the face of change. When we experience moments of completion and transition, we have the opportunity to break free from attachments and welcome the unknown with faith and courage. To move forward, we must leave something behind and open ourselves to the endless possibilities that lie before us.
Women leaders often value compassion, love, and teaching, reshaping traditional hierarchical structures and creating inclusive environments where every voice is heard and valued. Their contributions enrich the synod process, adding a richness that comes from diverse perspectives and a commitment to collective discernment and shared action. In our leadership efforts, whether formally in specific roles or as active members of our communities, we value newness and growth by openly communicating our intentions, challenges, and decisions.
This commitment to openness not only provides clarity, but also fosters an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect. When each person feels informed and included in the decision-making process, they are more likely to feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the shared mission. Through innovation and growth-focused leadership, we strive to create an environment where dialogue invites everyone to the table, knowing that each person brings their own valuable wisdom to the table. Dissent is respectfully heard and unity is forged through shared understanding and common goals.
This inclusive approach enriches decision-making processes with diverse perspectives and insights. In addition, newness and growth in leadership foster a culture of learning. We acknowledge our fallibility and accept our vulnerability, understanding that newness is not about representing perfection, but rather about authenticity.
In Falling Upward: A spirituality for the two halves of lifeRichard Rohr quotes Thomas Merton’s astute observation:
Because of the way we have structured our lives, we often spend our entire lives climbing the ladder of perceived success, only to find when we reach the top that it is leaning against the wrong wall. At the top, we realize that what we thought we wanted is not actually fulfilling us. To return to a state of inherent abundance, we must let go of all false plans, unrealistic goals, and fleeting self-images. It’s about letting go.
Letting go is often the first step to meaningful collaboration. Collaboration is not always easy; in fact, it is often quite challenging. There is an old African proverb that says you work faster when you are alone, and there is some truth in that. Collaboration, on the other hand, requires excellent communication, shared interests, thorough planning, and strong relationships.
Unlike top-down approaches, collaboration emphasizes shared goals, collective wisdom, and mutual empowerment. We use collaboration to build consensus, harness collective creativity, and address complex challenges facing our communities. At the heart of collaboration is the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.
Despite our reality of shrinking and the challenges associated with growing and letting go, a cooperative attitude fosters a deep sense of ownership and belonging and empowers individuals to contribute their talents and skills to the common good. By keeping the mission at the center of our efforts, we are committed to living life to the fullest.
When I attended the Leadership Collaborative (CLDP), I found Sr. Linda Buck’s explanation of the Johari Window insightful. This model provides a useful framework for understanding and improving interpersonal collaboration and relationships within our religious communities. It consists of four quadrants:
- Open: In our roles, we strive to expand this quadrant by openly sharing our thoughts, feelings, and intentions with our constituents. In doing so, we reduce the size of the hidden quadrant where we know aspects of ourselves but others do not. Through transparency, we invite others to see and understand us better, fostering trust and authenticity within our community.
- Hidden: This quadrant includes aspects of ourselves that are known to us but not to others. Through self-disclosure and openness, we aim to reduce this area and promote deeper connections and mutual understanding.
- Blind: This is where aspects of ourselves live that others see but that we may not recognize. By actively seeking feedback and humbly listening to others, we minimize this quadrant and gain insights that inspire personal and collective growth.
- Unknown: This quadrant encompasses aspects of ourselves that are not known to us or others. It represents untapped potential and undiscovered strengths. Curiosity and self-exploration help us discover and integrate these unknown facets, enriching our leadership skills and community engagement.
The synodal path and our role as women religious embracing the divine feminine call us to embrace the transformative power of newness and growth. Pope Francis’ inclusive approach sets a precedent for a more just and harmonious Church where every voice, especially that of women religious, is valued and heard. By letting go of old attachments and welcoming change, we can cultivate a mindset of continuous development that embodies the essence of creation and renewal of the divine feminine. Through collaboration and open communication, we enrich our communities and foster a culture of trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose. As we move forward, let us remain true to our commitment to fostering new life and new possibilities, ensuring that our shared mission reflects the fullness of life and the limitless potential within us all.
