PIC Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth “Help, help, I’m being oppressed just because I’m a woman!”
Women Priests — No Chance by the redoubtable Joanna Bogle. This came out in 1997, after John Paul II reaffirmed the Church’s teaching that it ain’t gonna (can’t) happen, ever. Despite the abrupt title, this article goes beyond pointing to the long, unbroken tradition of the male priesthood, and draws out (or at least introduces us to) some of the reasons why Christ wanted men to do this particular work on earth.
Just a solid, accessible read, something to keep on hand if someone asks you why! As my four-year-old did the other day, when we had this conversation:
Irene: Why can’t the Church make women priests?
Me (before coffee): Because men are women are different.
Irene: HOW?
Me: Ohhh, lots of ways.
Irene: Oh, like boys take really short showers!
Me: Yes, like that.
