Women Deacons

Ancient mosaic of a woman in the priestly “orans” (praying) position.

In a recent scholarly article, Phyllis Zagano thoughtfully draws out the theological implications of her research, but her main point is historical: There is simply no precedent on which to base the exclusion of women from the diaconate in the Catholic Church.

Zagano continues: The most famous example of a woman deacon comes from Scripture. In fact, the only person in Scripture called “deacon” is named in Paul’s Letter to the Romans, where he addresses the deacon—the woman deacon—Phoebe.

Notable Quotes


In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.

Eric Hoffer, American philosopher

COVID-19 Notes

COVID-19 Notes

Most of the dwellings in Phnom Penh are shophouses like the one above, three or four-story buildings one room wide, with a ground floor shop opening onto the street and the family’s living quarter behind and above the shop. Now to keep customers, who may be infected, out of their homes, many of the shops have put up string barriers which allow for sales but prevent people from entering the shop. The two shops below have similar strings blocking people from walking in.

COVID-19 Notes

The latest coronavirus fashion fad is sewing a plastic visor onto a regular hat you can get in any market. Do the visors help, especially when you’re wearing a mask? Who knows. One thing for sure, you’d get the same effect and a lot more security if you wore a helmet with a visor! And you’d be following the law!

COVID-19 Notes

Another sign of the times: a bank has installed a sink with running water outside its entrance so people will wash their hands–and use the disinfectant on the sink–before entering the building. Just be careful not to trip over the drain hose.