feminine-genius

"Rogue women"

Indeed, I've been caught, and plead guilty. The anniversary initiative DignityofWomen was discovered by Matthew Bigelow, a writer for U.S. Catholic and it fit into his article on how Catholics are using the internet these days.

When Genevieve Kineke and a group of lay-women decided this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mulieris Dignitatem, Pope John Paul II's document on the dignity of women, she needed to get the word out. A mailing list, however, never even occurred to her.

"Someone had said, 'Are we going to get a mailing list?' No, we don't use paper and stamps anymore, we just don't. We're an Internet generation," Kineke says.

Soon thereafter Kineke, an author and speaker on Catholic femininity, launched dignityofwomen.com, a website with contact information, an online version of the document, and updates on her movement to commemorate the 20th anniversary. Soon an e-mail listserv used by Kineke and her colleagues was aflame with rumors about this "lay group."

Who were these rabble rousers, promoting awareness of a Vatican document without any formal ties to the church? Were they qualified to speak on it?

"So many writers are used to the chain of command and say, 'You guys are coloring outside of the lines,' and 'Who are we to have the website?' " Kineke says. "It just looked like a bunch of rogue women."

Well, I'd prefer to think of us as "inspired," but that's a matter of taste. Some events are spilling well into next year, so it's not too late to consider reading the document, sharing it with others, and putting together "days of reflection." I did enjoy talking to this young writer, lo these many months ago. I know that much of the hierarchy still looks at most internet-based apostolates with suspicion, which is perhaps prudent. Caveat emptor (but you can always trust me, heh!)

Harrisburg

Last month, the Diocese of Harrisburg offered its day of reflection on Mulieris Dignitatem which was a splendid affair. Bishop Kevin Rhoads was an excellent speaker, and clearly one who appreciates the theology behind this document. He evidently has a rich relationship with the women of his diocese, who in turn cannot say enough lovely things about him. It was a pleasure to participate -- and the pictures have now been posted.

Please note that it's never too late to begin planning such an event -- a couple are in the works now for Seattle and Peoria, with details still being hammered out. Remember that God is outside of time, so an anniversary could be taken with a few grains of salt. It's really the good intention that matters.

Likewise, you could begin a document study, er, poolside--so that your brains don't completely atrophy over the summer. Or you could plan it for the fall when the winkies return to their classrooms. Pray -- and get cracking!

What breadth!

I don't know where I've been to miss this -- but no longer. Salt and Light TV out of Canada seems to have tremendous breadth, complete orthodoxy and professional polish.

Established in 2003, Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation is a non-profit national organization committed to providing Catholics with the opportunity to connect with their Catholic beliefs and celebrate their faith which is lived out in parish communities everyday. Salt + Light offers 100% Catholic content through a diverse range of multi-media tools, including television production, digital television and satellite distribution and the internet.

Salt + Light Television is Canada's first Catholic television network broadcasting 24/7 across Canada. Our programming has 100% Catholic content. This channel is currently available through Rogers Digital Cable, Cogeco Digital Cable and Mountain Cable in Ontario, Vidéotron Digital TV (Illico) in Quebec, EasLink Digital Cable in the Maritimes and across Canada through Bell ExpressVu, a satellite carrier.

Some programs are available on-line, including the first in this series. I'm preparing to leave to do some taping at EWTN this week, so I can't see this until I return. Looking forward to it -- and delighted that good things are happening in the Motherland.

"Because I'm in love!"

Most excellent!

This gives one hope. Please join them!

Excellent group

I met Karen Hurley in February, where we both took part in this Congress. She just alerted me to a very nice clip which will run tomorrow -- available here. [Shameless pointer: after the Pope enters the room, and there is a view of all the participants listening to him, if you stop at that frame, I'm in black (like nearly everyone) seated second from the left on the screen.] More importantly, WUCWO is an excellent group that could use your support.

April edition

The latest issue of Secretum Meum Mihi is available here. Enjoy!

Time to simplify

Pamela has pointed out a marvelous resource. For those of you in the Northern Virginia area, this woman will give talks as well. WOG has a similar workbook here. Do yourself and your family a favour. Everyone benefits!

Easter gift

Dear readers, put on your Resurrection Goggles! I highly recommend this homily, especially for those who are parents. Okay, especially for those who are parents of teenagers. (You could even borrow their i-pods to listen, if necessary.)

Beyond beautiful

I cannot express my joy about the fact that this film has been made. This is an essential program to restore so much feminine dignity around the world. Please note: the root of the problem is overwork, malnourishment, early marriage and pregnancy, and poor medical care. The victims are ubiquitous and this effort restores life, but the foundational causes still need to be addressed. These are legitimate concerns that feminists ought to have, but they're too busy spreading their vile revolution. Please spread the word and promote this project!

Great new resources

I'm delighted to see that Mary Jo Anderson has begun blogging. She's done some excellent writing over the years, exposing the bad news behind many governmental and non-governmental organisation that have promoted anti-family agendas. Find her at Properly Scared (which she explains here).

Also, Father Euteneuer and John Mallon have teamed up on an excellent initiative to honour the 40th (!) anniversary of Humanae Vitae by making catechetical and pastoral tools available to priests and deacons. An example of loving fatherly concern by two dedicated souls on behalf of women and children everywhere. Bless them, and spread the word!

Finally, the new Secretum Meum Mihi is out, with details about Saint Teresa of Avila that you may not have known. Excellent as usual. Consider a bulk discount so that you can share them with your parish or women's guild.