Elder Hostile: Judgment on those who defy Church "cannot be made lightly -- or too soon"

The funeral service of a female Catholic priest drew non-judgmental attention from Chicago media in late May, but internet versions  of the accounts attracted intense reactions from two mutually opposed sides. One group expressed anger that the Chicago Archdiocese had denied Janine Denomme’s wish to be buried from her own church, St. Gertrude’s on  the north side. Meanwhile, another and larger group of respondents declared that the deceased woman got what she deserved, since she had been excommunicated for “attempting” to receive a sacrament reserved only for men. None among the large group of mourners, many from St. Gertrude’s, seemed to be offended by her status. I attended the mass, which was uplifting and inspirational, and I could not help but think of other women long before Janine Denomme who challenged the official church in profound ways and paid a penalty. Some are saints or well on their way to sainthood. I wrote an article about the event which you can read at Chicago Catholic News.