Sharing her journey with candor and depth, Deacon Adina Meyer shared her fascinating narrative on the Your Radical Truth Podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O'Connor. Throughout this informative episode, Deacon Adina explored the pivotal moments and profound insights that have shaped her path towards priesthood within the Catholic Church.

To Be Baptized and Confirmed: A Foundation of Faith

In 1989, Adina Meyer took her first steps into the Catholic Church, embarking on a path that would intertwine her faith with her life's purpose. As she embraced roles as an RCIA teacher and Cantor, Deacon Adina found fulfillment in serving her community, yet the call to ministry lingered beneath the surface.

Awakening to Vocation: A Transformative Experience

In 2013, Meyer's life took an unexpected turn during her attendance at the SOA Vigil in Fort Benning, GA. It was here that she witnessed a woman presiding over an inclusive mass, igniting a profound realization of her own calling to priesthood. This revelation shattered barriers and propelled her towards a new understanding of her faith.

Pursuing the Call: Education and Mentorship

Driven by her newfound sense of purpose, Deacon Adina made the courageous decision in 2019 to leave her role as a high school humanities religious teacher and pursue full-time studies at Portland Seminary. Under the guidance of mentors like Diane Whelan, she became associated with the Holy Wisdom Inclusive Catholic community, laying the groundwork for her future as a priest.

Ordination and Service: Answering the Call

After years of preparation and discernment, Adina was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church with RCWP last summer. This milestone marked a significant step in her journey towards priesthood. With graduation from seminary looming, she is poised to be ordained as a priest on May 25th, ready to continue her service and ministry within her community.

Challenging Misconceptions: Redefining Leadership

In her conversation on the Your Radical Truth Podcast, Deacon Adina addressed common misconceptions surrounding women in religious leadership roles. She emphasized that her calling to priesthood stemmed from a deep sense of service rather than a desire for power. Additionally, she spoke passionately about the importance of accepting individuals from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community, within the Catholic Church.

A Trailblazer's Legacy: Inspiring Others

Deacon Adina Meyer's journey from devoted Catholic educator to ordained Deacon and soon-to-be priest is a testament to the transformative power of faith and courage.

As she continues her ministry, her story serves as an inspiration to individuals seeking to challenge traditional norms and pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate religious community. Through her dedication and unwavering commitment, Deacon Adina is reshaping the narrative of religious leadership and leaving an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and beyond.

Enjoy more at: https://yourradicaltruth.com/021-adina-meyer

In the labyrinth of life's inquiries, Julie Hannah navigated a myriad of philosophical doctrines and religious practices. From existentialism's bleak introspection to the serene contemplation of mysticism, each avenue offered a fragment of insight. Yet, it was within the folds of Christian scripture that Julie discovered a cohesive narrative of profound significance.

Her journey from skepticism to faith was not a linear path but a mosaic of exploration, marked by intellectual curiosity and spiritual revelation. Through rigorous examination and introspection, Julie unearthed a truth that resonated deeply within her soul.

Join her odyssey of discovery at www.YourRadicalTruth.com/020-Julie-Hannah, where she invites fellow seekers to explore the interconnectedness of faith and reason in the pursuit of ultimate truth.

www.YourRadicalTruth.com/020-Julie-Hannah

#SpiritualJourney #SeekingTruth #FaithAndReason #YourRadicalTruth

Rita L. Houlihan returns to unravel the enigma of Mary Magdalene in Episode 019 of Your Radical Truth Podcast!

Dive deep into the captivating figure with Rita's extensive research and passion for historical truths. From dispelling misconceptions to critiquing depictions in art and literature, Rita's insights offer fresh perspectives on Mary Magdalene's enduring legacy.

Tune in for insights and reflections on the theological implications of this complex biblical figure! #MaryMagdalene #Podcast #ScholarlyInsights

Read more about this episode at https://YourRadicalTruth.com/019-Rita-L-Houlihan

On a recent episode of the “Your Radical Truth Podcast,” hosted by Margaret Mary O’Connor, listeners were treated to an enlightening discussion with Rita L. Houlihan. Rita has used her three decades of experience in sales and change strategy consulting to bring a unique perspective to her advocacy work centered on Mary Magdalene within the Catholic Church. Armed with a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from Newton College of the Sacred Heart (now Boston College) and an MA in Educational Psychology from New York University, plus 10 years of reading Mary Magdalene research, Rita’s journey into the realm of biblical scholarship and advocacy has been both profound and purpose-driven.

At the heart of Rita’s mission lies a deep commitment to restoring the historical memory of early Christian women leaders, with a special emphasis on Mary Magdalene. Rita serves on the board of directors for FutureChurch, an organization with the mission to “seek changes that will provide all Roman Catholics the opportunity to participate fully in Church life, ministry, and governance.

During the podcast, Rita and Margaret delve into the often-maligned character of Mary Magdalene within the context of Catholic history. They reflect on the centuries-old misinterpretations and distortions of Mary’s story, particularly highlighting the efforts of influential figures like St. Augustine and Jerome, whose writings perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women in Christianity.

More at: https://www.yourradicaltruth.com/018-rita-l-houlihans/ ‎

In recent years, the Catholic Church has found itself at the center of numerous discussions, both internal and external, regarding issues of inclusivity, tradition, and the role of women in ordained ministries. A critical moment in this ongoing dialogue is the Synod, a gathering of bishops convened to discuss matters of importance to the Church. Amidst the varied conversations, one voice stands out—Father Anne, an advocate for the ordination of women, who is spearheading the God Says Now campaign.

The Catholic Church, an institution steeped in tradition, is currently undergoing a transformative process known as the Synod on synodality. This initiative, championed by Pope Francis, seeks to decentralize power within the Church, fostering greater participation and dialogue among its members. 

One area of particular interest is the quest for gender equality, including the ordination of women. In this episode of the Your Radical Truth Podcast, host Margaret Mary O'Connor explored the challenges and possibilities presented by this synodal journey with Father Anne, a priest deeply committed to gender justice.

Full post at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/017-Father-Anne

In a recent episode of the Your Radical Truth podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O'Connor, the remarkable Reverend Maura Bernard revealed her multifaceted journey — a unique fusion of a rock DJ career and a profound calling to priesthood. 

This rich narrative traces back to her roots in Washington, DC, where she made waves as an Air Personality of the Year at WBAB, an accolade bestowed upon her by Billboard magazine.

A Dual Identity Unveiled: From Rock DJ to Reverend

Reverend Maura's enthralling career in radio was filled with her interviewing rock stars, covering Grammy Awards, and reporting on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions. However, beneath the glamorous exterior of her rock DJ persona, a deeper calling resonated within her. A spiritual tug-of-war unfolded, eventually leading her to pursue a master's degree in theological studies at Washington Theological Union in DC.

A Spiritual Calling Strengthened by Life's Transitions

The passing of Reverend Maura's parents became a poignant turning point in her spiritual journey. During her mother's final days, a profound moment strengthened her connection to spirituality, solidifying her resolve to follow the divine calling she felt persistently.

More at:  www.YourRadicalTruth.com/016-Maura-Bernard

Joyce Rupp, a renowned writer, retreat leader, and spiritual midwife, recently shared profound insights in a conversation with Margaret Mary O’Connor, host of Your Radical Truth Podcast, about her newest book release, "Jesus, Guide in My Life."

The conversation not only digs into the motivations behind Rupp's writing but also explores key themes from her trilogy on Jesus, focusing on understanding the person of Jesus and delving into his teachings.

Reconnecting with Jesus's Humanity

Rupp emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the humanity of Jesus, especially in addressing contemporary challenges faced by the Church. The interview highlights her commitment to understanding the compassionate nature of Jesus and its relevance in navigating present-day issues within the Church.

Exploring the Teachings of Jesus

The latest addition to Rupp's trilogy, "Jesus Guide in My Life," focuses on exploring various gestures and teachings of Jesus. It encourages readers to engage in daily reflections during Lent, approaching scripture passages with a focus on attitudinal gestures. This approach aims to foster a more intimate connection with Jesus.

Full post at http://www.YourRadicalTruth.com/015-Joyce-Rupp

A woman of deep spirituality, Reverend Laurie Harrington's journey from an unexpected career path to her current role as a priest unfolds as a testament to the unpredictable and transformative nature of life.

Early Beginnings

Graduating from the university and faced with the prospect of finding a job, Reverend Harrington stumbled upon an opportunity that would set the course for her unique journey. The federal government's nondiscriminatory policy opened doors for her, leading to a position that, unbeknownst to her at the time, would shape her future in profound ways.

A Twist of Fate

During her government service as a cryptologist, Harrington found not only a job but also a deeper connection—with her future husband. The serendipitous encounter at a party marked the beginning of a journey intertwined with personal and spiritual discoveries.

Unveiling the Spiritual Calling

Reverend Harrington's life took an unexpected turn when the longing for a deeper spiritual connection resurfaced, a calling she had felt since childhood. Exploring this call, she discovered a desire to be a priest, a path traditionally reserved for men in the Catholic Church.

Challenges and Reflections

Navigating the complexities of embracing her spiritual calling, Reverend Harrington shares insights into the challenges faced and the reflections that guided her. Her journey is a testament to the pursuit of vocation, breaking barriers, and challenging norms to align with a personal and deeply felt connection with the divine.

More at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/014-Laurie-Harrington 

A Trailblazer in Faith

Reverend Harrington's decision to follow her calling and become a priest challenges traditional notions within the Catholic Church. Her story stands as an inspiration for those who, too, feel the pull of a vocation that defies established norms.