Speaking with Authority: Catherine of Siena and the Voices of Women Today

by Mary Catherine Hilkert, Suzanne Noffke OP (Foreword by)

Overview

In this thought-provoking book Mary Catherine Hilkert reflects on the person and impact of Catherine of Siena as a means to examine the challenges facing contemporary women of faith. Known for her wisdom as well as her forthright speech, her role as counselor to the pope as well as church critic, her preaching as well as her prayer, Catherine can be a remarkable companion in hope for women today.

The author first examines Catherine's 14th-century life and ministry. She then uses that as a mirror through which to explore "three interrelated aspects of the source and authority of the works of faithful women in every age: 1) the authority of vocation, 2) the authority of wisdom and 3) the authority of compassion."

Hilkert believes that as we ponder what it means for women to speak with the authority of the Spirit, "Catherine's words and witness can offer insight and challenge." This book speaks to contemporary women, especially with its emphasis on women's roles and authority in the church. Persons interested in spirituality, feminism or history will be inspired by it as well.
†

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780809145867
Publisher:	Paulist Press
Publication date:	11/03/2008
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword Suzanne Noffke, OP vii

Introduction 1

Unholy Silence and Wise Speech in Our Day 2

The Voices of Women Today 6

Women's "Proper Place" in the Church and the Example of Catherine 8

The Witness and Wisdom of Catherine of Siena 13

1 The Authority of Vocation 17

Catherine of Siena in Her Context 19

The Question of Women's Preaching in Catherine's Era 23

Catherine's Sense of Vocation 29

Vocation and Gender-Then and Now 36

Baptism, Charisms, and Vocation 43

2 The Authority of Wisdom: Speaking the Truth in Love 51

Catherine as Doctor of Wisdom and the Recovery of Sophia 57

The Charism of Wisdom: Speaking the Truth in Love 62

Seeking Wisdom Together: The Need for Many Voices 70

Discerning the Truth 78

3 The Authority of Compassion 85

Catherine's Exhortations to Embrace the Cross 90

Catherine's Metaphors for Redemption 95

Can Women Claim the Cross Today? 101

Voices of Passion and Resistance 104

Negative Contrast Experience and the Politics of Compassion 109

Birth of Hope and Courage in the Darkness 115

Conclusion 119

Notes 123