I have a deep appreciation for conversations that challenge norms and break down stereotypes, and few do it as adeptly as Joe Pannone, better known as Joey Pinz (a moniker derived from his golfing days). With a keen penchant for questioning and a thirst for breaking down stereotypes Joey embodies a spirit of curiosity and exploration. As a Gen-X child, Joe’s upbringing in the northeastern United States, coupled with his immigrant heritage and role as a father to two daughters, has instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and a hunger for diverse perspectives. Through his podcast and conversations, Joey Pinz shines as a beacon for those seeking to challenge the status quo and uncover new realms of understanding.
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of joining the Joey Pinz Podcast, where our conversation ignited around the empowering topic of Women in Faith.
The Curveball
Joey threw me a curveball right out the gate: “Did the hypocrisy of certain men within the faith ever shake your belief?”
Without skipping a beat, I replied, “Not a chance. My faith is anchored in the teachings of Jesus Christ. But let’s talk about those individuals in our Church who seem to have missed the memo on moral integrity.”
Joey wasn’t done yet. He prodded further, “So, what’s the big takeaway from your book?”
I leaned in, eager to share, “I want readers to realize that the issue of Women Priests isn’t just black and white. There’s a hidden treasure trove of history where Mary, the Mother of God, was recognized as a Woman Priest. Why keep that nugget under wraps? Let’s uncover the rich tapestry of our Church’s past, where women held prominent roles as Bishops, Deacons, and Priests, only to be brushed aside over time.”
The Bombshell
Then Joey dropped the bombshell: “Imagine you have the Pope’s ear for thirty minutes. What’s your pitch?”
I grinned at the challenge. “First off, hats off to the Synod process for bringing in diverse voices. But let’s cut to the chase. Remember that 1976 report saying there’s zero biblical beef against Women’s Ordination? Yeah, let’s talk about that. It’s time to debunk the myths and cultural biases holding women back. Every woman deserves a shot at answering the call to priesthood, Pope Francis. Let’s make it happen.”
Overall, my response is what it has been for years. Truth being revealed about women in the priesthood.
I really like how the Synod process has included the Laity in hearing their thoughts on what is working or what definitely needs to change in the Church. Biblical research shows they are not Biblical at all, rather they all involve cultural prejudice. Why isn’t such a monumental falsehood being immediately addressed? Whether from the Pope’s own Commission, to a Vatican Council, why are the specific findings never addressed let alone actually enacted on?
Pope Francis, your Synod initiatives are truly a breath of fresh air, in involving more women and having some being able to vote! But previous Church hierarchies simply have never seen the issue of Women’s equality as an issue of importance, it never has been on their radar. Pope Francis, any mother, sister, daughter, or grandmother, deserve an answer to the 1976 Pontifical Biblical Commission’s findings of their being no biblical reason to prevent Women’s Ordination.
Why is any women worldwide still waiting on their chance to answer Jesus’ call to them, to serve as a Women Catholic Priest in our Catholic Church today?
This and more was discussed on the Joey Pinz Podcast, episode 325: Margaret Mary O’Connor: 🗣️ Conversations on Change: The Role of Women in Faith
To hear the full episode, go to https://joeypinzconversations.com/325-margaret-mary-oconnor
What a true delight it was to be a featured guest on the Joey Pinz Podcast.
