Women already act as deacons

The question of women deacons seems to be on hold even though the Church needs them more than ever (Editorial, 26 September). The European Church especially is in the same situation that initiated deacons in the first place: widows being neglected in the daily distribution of bread (Acts 6:1). Priests are overworked and there is no real relief in sight; the situation would be worse except for the advances made in cardiac surgery.

I read recently the obituary of Sr Margaret Coyne. The headline read: “Nun whose work saved the sight of thousands threatened with blindness”. Sr Margaret worked in Tigray, Ethiopia for 23 years. “A key legacy of Sr Margaret’s time in Tigray was the development … of very high-quality surgery at low cost, and the training of more than 200 Ethiopians in eye care.”

Sr Dr Miriam Duggan (who died in 2025) worked in Uganda for 30 years from 1969 as one of the first qualified obstetricians in the country. Among many achievements she established care programmes for HIV and AIDS patients. Her initiative has extended to 21 African countries. Also, Sr Dr (now Venerable) Mary Glowrey (1887 1957), the first nun to practice as a medical doctor, worked in India for 37 years. And of course, Mother Teresa.

These admirable women were de facto, if not de jure, deacons, who were not, as the Church seems to fear, wanting to displace priests. When will the Church release the Holy Spirit in women and allow them to assist tired, overworked priests in some of their sacramental duties?

(SR) GENEVIEVE HARRINGTON OSB
CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY, IRELAND

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