Jean Vanier abuse reveals patriarchy and pedestals are a toxic combination
For decades Jean Vanier was seen as a ‘spiritual superstar’. On learning of his abusive relationships with women, my response was one of disillusion and overarching sadness, writes Patty Fawkner....
Fires, floods and the season of Lent are inextricably linked
For the sake of humanity and our planet, we cannot allow personally, communally, nationally or globally, to return to situation normal, writes Patty Fawkner. It was early February 1984. The...
The Feast for the Frayed and Fatigued
Christmas is the feast for the fatigued and the frayed, writes Patty Fawkner, because God is with us in the actual reality, not the fairy tale version, of our lives.
Stages
In response to the tragedy of institutional child sexual abuse, Sister Patty Fawkner considers the distinct ‘stages’ currently being journeyed through by the Church.
Show me what it looks like
What does loving God look like? asks Sister Patty Fawkner. She finds it is not in some other-worldly realm, but grounded in the here and now with each and every...
Following the ‘clues’ to our vocation
For many, finding one’s vocation can be a slow-burning realisation, even a trial and error exercise, writes Sister Patty Fawkner.
The Church – to include or not to include?
If I include myself in any critique I make of the Church… I will be taking a step in “fostering ecclesial community”.
Chittister, censorship and an adult Church
Patty Fawkner SGS asks whether censorship in the Catholic Church underestimates the intelligence and maturity of the faithful.
Religious women: The sowers of prophetic hope
There is a rich tapestry in the life of Religious women across the world, writes Sister Patty Fawkner, woven together through a shared mission of hope and compassion.
Unveiling Mary
The month of May is dedicated to Mary of Nazareth. Patty Fawkner reflects on her own Marian journey from ‘naïve piety’ and disillusioned critic to contemporary model and spiritual companion.
The gift of spiritual companions
God sends spiritual guides into our lives, reflects Patty Fawkner, who are messengers and mediums of the divine flow of God’s presence in our lives.
A community in crisis
“Though hard to recognise, God is there,” writes Sister Patty Fawkner in response to the crisis of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.