US nuncio surprises nuns' leaders with face to face meeting
Supporters of the LCWR who rallied at the Holy See Embassy in Washington DC were touched and impressed by the courtesy and attention paid to them by the US nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano. Here, one of the marchers describes the encounter.
- United States
- May 31, 2012
On this bright and hot day, May 29, 2012, between 200 and 250 people gathered in a park near the Vatican Embassy. It felt like a reunion: although we most had never met before, all were united in lively determination and solidarity. We began with song and prayer – and with a huge communal ROAR. We roared to express our enormous anger and frustration at the treatment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and of U.S. Sisters by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. And we roared to release those fierce feelings in order to create space within ourselves for the Spirit’s presence.
Then wonderful speakers shared moving, inspiring stories, reflections, and prayers about U.S. Catholic Sisters and LCWR. A representative of the large and largely Protestant group that wrote "An Open Letter to Catholic Religious Women" read that powerful statement. Speakers were often interrupted by applause, cheers, and cries of “Amen!” Susan Pearson led us in song. Colorful hand-made signs attracted attention from drivers along Massachusetts Avenue, and many honked in support.
As we walked up Massachusetts Avenue to the Vatican Embassy, we continued to sing songs that expressed the range of our aspirations. We filled the public areas in front of the embassy. When all had marched up the hill, a Secret Service agent escorted a delegation from the Rally coordination team to the door – and the door opened! We cheered when, after they provided contact information, Linda Donaldson and Arlene McGarrity were welcomed into the embassy and met with Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the Papal Nuncio (ambassador to the US from the Holy See). The archbishop indicated that our request for the CDF mandate to be withdrawn was unrealistic, but still he promised to deliver our letter to Pope Benedict.
Linda and Arlene were greeted with more cheers when they came out of the embassy. They quickly outlined their conversation and then said that the archbishop had invited a group of about 20 to come into the embassy chapel and pray with him. Archbishop Vigano greeted each member of the coordinating committee as they came into the embassy and entered the small, lovely chapel nearby.
After a brief time of silent prayer, he spoke of his travels throughout the US since his arrival here 6 months ago, and said he was impressed with how “very alive” the Church is in the US.
Full Story: WHAT HAPPENED AT THE RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH CATHOLIC SISTERS?
Source: Solidarity With Sisters
Then wonderful speakers shared moving, inspiring stories, reflections, and prayers about U.S. Catholic Sisters and LCWR. A representative of the large and largely Protestant group that wrote "An Open Letter to Catholic Religious Women" read that powerful statement. Speakers were often interrupted by applause, cheers, and cries of “Amen!” Susan Pearson led us in song. Colorful hand-made signs attracted attention from drivers along Massachusetts Avenue, and many honked in support.
As we walked up Massachusetts Avenue to the Vatican Embassy, we continued to sing songs that expressed the range of our aspirations. We filled the public areas in front of the embassy. When all had marched up the hill, a Secret Service agent escorted a delegation from the Rally coordination team to the door – and the door opened! We cheered when, after they provided contact information, Linda Donaldson and Arlene McGarrity were welcomed into the embassy and met with Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the Papal Nuncio (ambassador to the US from the Holy See). The archbishop indicated that our request for the CDF mandate to be withdrawn was unrealistic, but still he promised to deliver our letter to Pope Benedict.
Linda and Arlene were greeted with more cheers when they came out of the embassy. They quickly outlined their conversation and then said that the archbishop had invited a group of about 20 to come into the embassy chapel and pray with him. Archbishop Vigano greeted each member of the coordinating committee as they came into the embassy and entered the small, lovely chapel nearby.
After a brief time of silent prayer, he spoke of his travels throughout the US since his arrival here 6 months ago, and said he was impressed with how “very alive” the Church is in the US.
Full Story: WHAT HAPPENED AT THE RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH CATHOLIC SISTERS?
Source: Solidarity With Sisters
