Are we going to lose Sister Madonna Buder?

[KnottedYet]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/us...ewanted=1&_r=1

I'm pretty sure competing in Ironman triathlons falls under the Vatican's "naughty" and "too involved in society" list.

U.S. nuns have supported women's rights, perhaps it's time for us to support nuns' rights.

From Wikipedia: As a nun with the Sisters for Christian Community, Sister Madonna has the freedom to choose her own ministry and lifestyle.

How long do you think that is going to last under Razinger? Under this investigation?

If we feel we should stand up for Sister Madonna Buder, shouldn't we also stand up for all the other U.S. nuns?

ETA: Letters of support for the Spokane area nuns can go here: http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/voca..._religious.php Sister Madonna is the contact for Sisters for Christian Community. Scroll down for contact info.

ETAx2: The more I read about this in various links, the more it sounds like an inquisition not just an investigation.

[Trek420]

"If you did this for us this is the least I can do for you. And it's with your power that I'm able to do it in the first place so if it's your will keep me going"

~ Sister Madonna Buder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUp9v...rom=PL&index=8

Did you know she did not start running till she was 50.

[shootingstar]

She is a true inspiration and tries to support other competitors in true sportsmanship fashion..that is carrying/living out her values far and well into the running/triathalon community.

[KnottedYet]

She is a true inspiration and tries to support other competitors in true sportsmanship fashion..that is carrying/living out her values far and well into the running/triathalon community.

But she is not living according to the rules of the Vatican. Hence the investigation from the papal level, of her and of the other fairly liberal nuns in the U.S.

Nuns should be seen and not heard, they are not to hold leadership positions, they are not to be seen as leaders, they are not to step outside the bounds.

Sister Madonna is extraordinarily well known. I can't think of a single female triathlete I know who ISN'T familiar with Sister Madonna's story. (and who doesn't see her as a leader and inspiration) This is exactly the kind of notoriety the Vatican does NOT want for its females.

Only males should fill those roles.

Please support Sister Madonna and the other US nuns who are in non-contemplative activities.

[Trek420]

I'm not a triathlete or Christian for that matter and I've heard of her and been inspired by her. Sounds like she does the regular nun-duties as well.

If I need to write a letter of support I will Don't know how much that would help as I'm just a little Jewish gal from Petaluma.

Would I be right to say that she seems to embody a philosophy that you dishonor the creator by NOT using your capabilities to your best? Otherwise it's like saying "Thank you for the uhm, err, gift. Where's the receipt? Can I return it?"

Whatever your G*d given gifts are use 'em.

Go, sister go! Run/bike/swim as long as you can.

[Tri Girl]

I'm Catholic and am appalled by this. How can the Vatican think that nuns are not living up to her responsibility and living outside the lines? We have a terribly declining nun population, and I fear that soon there will not be any left when my grandchildren grow up. I teach in a Catholic school- a lay person teaching in a CS was unheard of 40 years ago. This scrutiny won't help recruit new young women into the ministry...
Grrrrrr to you, ultra conservative church officials. If you make nuns go back to wearing habits, living in convents, and leading very secluded lives- we won't have any left to speak of.

[OakLeaf]

.... part of the dynamic here, I'm sure, is that the RC church is trying to convert dissidents leaving the Episcopal Church in the USA, over the issues of female clergy and clergy in same-sex marriages. They've even offered to let male Episcopal priests convert, become RC priests, and remain in heterosexual marriages.

Coincidentally, the Episcopal Church's (female) Presiding Bishop is a dedicated runner who was featured on Runners' World back page a couple of years ago...

[Selkie]

I'm Catholic and am appalled by this. How can the Vatican think that nuns are not living up to her responsibility and living outside the lines? We have a terribly declining nun population, and I fear that soon there will not be any left when my grandchildren grow up. I teach in a Catholic school- a lay person teaching in a CS was unheard of 40 years ago. This scrutiny won't help recruit new young women into the ministry...
Grrrrrr to you, ultra conservative church officials. If you make nuns go back to wearing habits, living in convents, and leading very secluded lives- we won't have any left to speak of.

TriGirl, I'm a non-practicing Catholic because of the Church's attitude toward women and reproductive rights. Two of my aunts are/were nuns (one died). Both of them exceedingly intelligent ladies. Ironically, my one aunt was the dean of a seminary. Ironic that she could not become a priest, dontcha think?

I agree 100% that Sister Madonna is great for vocations and is a wonderful role model for all women.

You'd think the Vatican would have more important things to address.

[Trek420]

You'd think the Vatican would have more important things to address.

Like instead of helping, feeding and educating the poor, social justice? This is more important? I'm a big fan of those radical priests and nuns.

I'm gonna miss going to the crab feed if they go through with this

[MommyBird]

God is the ultimate authority.
He gave us His word in the Bible.
Man has no authority to change it.
I see nothing in what the Sister is doing that is biblically wrong.
She may not have the Vatican's blessing but I am sure she has God's.

Galatians 5:6-8
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

The good sister has found a place to testify...she needs to continue.

[Selkie]

Like instead of helping, feeding and educating the poor, social justice? This is more important? I'm a big fan of those radical priests and nuns.

I'm gonna miss going to the crab feed if they go through with this

No disrespect intended but the present Pope is not my German shepherd!

I, too, like the more progressive priests and nuns who are more about doing good than dogma.

[KnottedYet]

It bothers me that the Catholic church would close 5 churches in Maine due to financial concerns, then contribute the operating budgets from those parishes to a Maine political issue (over 1/2 million dollars) this election year.

Reading the articles about the closed churches is heartbreaking. People mourn their churches. They grew up in them, their families have belonged to them for generations.

Investigating nuns, closing churches. This isn't cool.

[Trek420]

I know two couples where are both very close to my family who are both a former priest and a nun who met and had to leave the church to marry. The husband in one of these couples sadly died in a freak bike crash. He was a very experienced cyclist, Anyway .... so they left the priesthood, nun-hood (whatever it's called, not sure of the term).

All were fairly young at the time, able to make their way and continue to follow their faith the best they could.

But at 70+ forced to pick between the way you chose to express your faith and the demands/orders of your church .... it's not like a triathlete nun would have a 401k

[KnottedYet]

I don't think they would ever leave her out in the cold. No 401k needed.

But the Vatican investigators may insist she stop the untraditional behaviour, which would be a huge loss to her and to us. (Besides, she's about to break into the 80-85 age group in USAT! She can't stop now!)

[Trek420]

(Besides, she's about to break into the 80-85 age group in USAT! She can't stop now!)

Is there a severance pay offer or ERB (early retirement benefit package)? I hope she and other nuns can stay. Being a nun would be a hard habit to break

There's an 80-85 women's age group? Or do they have to start one for her again

We should invite her to TE. Sister, if you're lurking c'mon down! . We don't have a "are there many of us, a few over 70" thread ..... yet