Known for otherwise keeping pace with time and adopting outreach programs, the Church has seen certain issues which have eluded them, like Maundy (Holy) Thursday – a ritual when feet are washed by priests – and priesthood for women.
Known for otherwise keeping pace with time and adopting outreach programs, the Church has seen certain issues which have eluded them, like Maundy (Holy) Thursday – a ritual when feet are washed by priests – and priesthood for women.
Astrid Lobo-Gajiwala, a member of the community, said: "Though we manage to get a lot of things done from the Church, like being allowed to kiss the feet of Jesus and going up to the altar, the addressing of this issue has been slow. The present Pope himself washed the feet of women, but the ground reality is still as it used to be." Gajiwala has taken up this issue with the Church for nearly 15 years now, in addition to that of women priesthood.
Dr Sister Pauline Chakkalakal, who has been taking the issue for the past 20 years, said that the new Testament (of the Bible) presents discipleship and ministerial service as universally inclusive. She added that people were not restricted by sex, marital status, social class, race or nationality.
The nun further informed: "According to Jesus' standard, eligibility for ministry is determined not in terms of gender roles, but in accordance with God's choice of persons, considering their particular charisma and leadership qualities. In the letter to the Hebrews (5: 1-10) where Jesus is called 'High Priest', the emphasis is on love and service, and not on masculinity or femininity."
Gajiwala said that it was poignant that women may be consulted, but the final word always belongs to a parish priest or bishop. "Decision making still eludes us and I guess it always will as long as governance in the Church is linked to ordination and women are banned from being ordained," she added.
Fr Nigel Barrett, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay said that priesthood is something that will need to be resolved by the Vatican and Pope, who will deliberate the topic. Giving the example of the leader of the church, he added: "The Pope washed the feet of inmates in a juvenile home that had both male and female convicts. There is no clear cut directive for us to do the same."
The priest added that if any directives are issued, they would be happy to adopt them.
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