My dear Sisters in Christ, esteemed theologians, and future leaders of our Church, I stand before you today, as a fellow pilgrim on the journey of faith, a fellow laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. A journey that, for far too long, has seen the brimming theological insight and pastoral experience, of women theologians and their contributions minimized. But the tide is turning. As I look out at this gathering of brilliant minds and compassionate hearts, I am filled with immense hope for the future of our Church, a future where the voices of African women theologians will not just be heard, but will become a resounding chorus that shapes the very core of our synodal journey.
Yet, the Gospel narrative itself resounds with the voices of women – from the courageous Mary Magdalene to the insightful Priscilla. The history of our Church too, has several women who defied these limitations and left an indelible mark. Think of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose brilliance challenged pagan philosophers, or Saint Teresa of Avila, whose mystical writings continue to inspire countless souls.
We are reminded of brilliant women theologians like Dr. Mercy Amba Oduyoye, a Ghanaian theologian whose work on inculturation theology challenged the Church to embrace African cultural symbols in worship. She championed the role of women in African theology, Dr. Rosemary Radford Ruether, whose feminist critiques challenged patriarchal structures. Closer to home, consider Sister Bernadette Leopolda, a Rwandan nun who tirelessly documented the horrors of the Rwandan genocide, reminding us of our prophetic duty in the face of injustice. Think of Dr. Monica Njambi Kiggins, a leading theologian whose work on contextual theology bridges the gap between faith and African realities. These women, and countless others, are testaments to the profound contributions and impact feminine voices can have on the life of the Church.
Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of including women’s voices and perspectives in various aspects of Church life, including theology and synodality (Cf Evangelii Gaudium).
My daughters, the world needs to hear your unique song. The Church needs the richness of your perspective to address the challenges of our times, let your femininity, a wellspring of creativity, empathy, compassion, and nurturing strength, be the very essence of your theological exploration. Engage with the challenges facing our communities – poverty, gender inequality, environmental degradation – and offer theological frameworks that foster healing and hope. Be the bridge between the academy and the lived realities of people on the ground. Let your lived experiences as mothers, daughters, sisters, and leaders inform your theological discourse.
The synodal Church beckons. As we embark on this synodal journey, a journey that demands we listen deeply to the Holy Spirit and one another, I want to be clear: You are not competitors to your male counterparts. men and women, theologians and laypeople, must build a Church that reflects the beautiful diversity of God’s creation. However, you are collaborators, working alongside your brothers in Christ for the common purpose of building a more just and holistic society. Together, masculinity and femininity, reason and intuition, can create a holistic understanding of the divine and its reflection in our world.
Let your voices ring out, clear and strong. Speak of the challenges faced by women in our communities, the need for gender justice within the Church, and the ways in which our faith can empower women to be agents of transformation in society.
Do not be afraid to challenge the status quo, but do so with the love of Christ and a commitment to building bridges. Remember, the most powerful voices are not the loudest, but those that speak with authenticity and compassion. Let your faith be your compass, your intellect your guide, and your compassion your driving force. May your voices be prophetic, your scholarship groundbreaking, and your actions transformative.
As we journey together towards a more synodal Church, may we be guided by the example of our Blessed Mother, who faithfully accompanied Jesus on his earthly mission. May her courage, faith, and love inspire us to walk boldly in the footsteps of her Son, working tirelessly for the building of God’s kingdom.
Go forth, dear, women theologians, leaders. May your scholarship illuminate, your actions inspire, and your femininity be a transformative force in the Church and the world.
Remember, the words of the prophet Joel resonate across time: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh~ your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28).
The time for women to prophesy, to dream, and to see visions for the Church has come. Let us rise to the occasion.
May your voices be a beacon of hope, a testament to the transformative power of faith, and a catalyst for a more just and compassionate world.
May God bless you and grant you strength on this sacred journey. Happy belated Women ‘s Day!
