Here is part of a nice interview with theologian Sister Marcellina Farina
a member of the Pontifical Theological Academy and of the Interdisciplinary Mariological Association.
Q: John Paul II spoke of the "feminine genius." Do you think that Benedict XVI will surprise us with some gesture toward women?
Sister Farina: Benedict XVI follows in John Paul II’s footsteps with his own style, made of noble delicacy and clear testimony.
With his first encyclical letter, "Deus Caritas Est," he lets us perceive his profound proximity to the contemporary world and, therefore, to women; he also indicates the path he is taking and which he wishes to propose not just to the Church but to all people of good will.
When one receives God’s charity with simplicity and radicalism, the world is transformed; it is reborn as a new spring. Each creature, especially the human creature made in God’s image, reflects the luminosity of God, hence, his beauty.
Over this year of pontificate, Benedict XVI has given us a rich doctrinal patrimony in the anthropological ambit. Suffice it to think of the audiences, addresses and messages proposed to the pontifical academies, and of meetings with people of different institutions, believers and nonbelievers.
He has a sober style, made of audacity and evangelical ardor, humility and courage, generous dedication and simplicity. I do not think he will make "astounding" gestures in the phenomenological sense. The wonder he arouses in those who meet and hear him springs from his kind and profound closeness.
1 comment
I believe in her, since you do, but otherwise I’d have suspected that “Sr. Marcellina Farina” was a Saturday Night Live character. People do give children unfortunate names. Of course, she may have taken a new name when she entered religious life.