ROME
National Catholic Reporter
By Thomas C. Fox | May. 6, 2013
COMMENTARY
ROME Some 800 global women religious leaders, gathered Sunday under the umbrella of the International Union of Superiors General, witnessed what some described as an unusual, hopeful moment in the torturous saga of Vatican-women religious affairs.
It happened in the form of a visit from Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, prefect at the Congregation for Religious, to the UISG gathering. Unlike his predecessor, Cardinal Franc Rode, who was a complete no-show when the assembly convened here three years ago, Braz de Aviz made himself available, spending much of a day at the conference, celebrating a Mass, offering reflections on the readings, and later answering questions put to him by the women and the media.
During his time at the assembly the cardinal displayed an openness and showed a comfort level not often seen when Catholic prelates come into contact with bright women. By day’s end more than a few of the women were breathing more easily, saying they have a friend in the Congregation for Religious.
Some described the cardinal from Brazil as a man with a “big heart.”
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