Mary and Women’s Authority in the Church – Mariology Without Apology No. 45

 

Ave Maria!
Join Dr. Mark Miravalle and Dr. Monica Migliorino Miller in this fascinating discussion concerning the role of women in the Church and the example of Our Lady as the ultimate model of the proper exercise of maternal authority.

In this episode of Mariology Without Apology, Dr. Mark Mirvalle hosts Dr. Monica Migliorino Miller, discussing the role of women in the Church and drawing insights from the Blessed Mother's example. They delve into the essence of womanhood, emphasizing its connection to life-giving and nurturing, grounded in natural law and supported by the theological insights of saints like Edith Stein and John Paul II. They assert that woman's unique capacity to give and nurture life assigns her a distinct dignity and authority within the Church and society, aligning with the concept of the feminine genius that shapes her contributions beyond mere biological functions.

Central to the discussion is the sacramental, covenantal understanding of Jesus' relationship with the Church, portrayed as marital, with the Church being feminine, the Bride of Christ. This foundational concept is rooted in Scripture, emphasizing relationality and reciprocity in redemption. Dr. Miller highlights Mary's active participation in Jesus' mission, culminating in her role at Cana and Calvary, where she embodies the New Eve in covenantal union with Christ, offering a model for understanding women's authority in the Church.

This discussion reiterates the Church's teaching on the complementarity of men and women, the unique roles within the marital covenant, and the broader implications for understanding authority and service in the Christian context.

Genesis 2:24 - "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh." - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2?24
Ephesians 5:21-33 - "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord..." - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/5?21
Colossians 1:24 - "I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1?24

Mulieris Dignitatem - JPII - On the Dignity and Vocation of Women with Church teachings on Mary - https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1988/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19880815_mulieris-dignitatem.html

The books by Dr. Monica Migliorino Miller mentioned in the discussion are:

The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church - This book explores the significant, yet often misunderstood, role of women within the Catholic Church, emphasizing the unique authority women possess through their ability to give life and nurture, reflecting a deeper theological and ecclesiastical insight. https://www.amazon.com/Authority-Women-Catholic-Church/dp/1941447155

Sexuality and Authority in the Catholic Church - Published by the University of Scranton Press, this work delves into the intricate relationships between sexuality, authority, and the roles of men and women in the Church, providing a nuanced examination grounded in Catholic teaching and tradition. https://www.amazon.com/Sexuality-Authority-Catholic-Church-Migliorino/dp/1589661281

00:00 - Introduction
01:11 - Defining the Essence of Womanhood
03:12 - Women's Nurturing Nature and Authority
07:05 - Understanding Authority from a Feminine Perspective
10:40 - Jesus' Redeeming the Church as His Bride
15:16 - Mary's Active Role in Redemption at Calvary
21:22 - The Dehumanizing Effect of Severing the Mother-Child Bond
24:25 - The Church Modeled on the Marian Patter
28:09 - Optimism of God Partnering with Humanity for Redemption
32:33 - Promoting Understanding of Mary's Role as Co-Redemptrix

Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KirGQ19CI_Y

and on AirMaria with audio and transcript: https://wp.me/p5dUxX-qCe

and on Mother of All Peoples chanel: https://youtu.be9m1T-HBIC1M

+++ - MWOA 45