The Irish and Catholicism
In Shanty
Gold, Mary Boland experiences a crisis of faith. Can she stay in a
church that she believes is treating women in a manner sometimes injurious to
their health, both physical and mental?
I shared the same
issue many years ago. A cradle Catholic, I found myself at
odds with many of my church’s teachings, particularly in regard to birth
control. When I divorced my first husband after eighteen years and four
children, I no longer felt welcome in my church. I stayed away longer than did
Mary—nearly twenty-eight years. I missed the Catholic Church every day of those
years. I tried other religions, but none worked for me.
Finally, I came to
peace with my church and healed my resentments by co-leading a group called
Landings. Landings was created by a priest to welcome back anyone who has left
the church and wants to come back. It’s gentle and nonjudgmental, and the
healing I received by hearing other women’s resentments and seeing their tears
was miraculous. I wasn’t alone.
I go to Mass every
Sunday now. Though I believe abortion is a tragedy and thank God I never had to
have one, I am pro-choice. My church is an institution and like all
institutions, some of its dictums are hard to justify or understand. However,
my church does so much good in the world. I must focus on that aspect of being
Catholic.
I am so grateful to be
back. Maybe things will change when women are priests. http://jeannecharters.com/
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