Episode 1394: The Churches Faith and Morals or my Individual Belief

So that leads me to this discussion on faith and morals. I asked her a question about the new way of thinking among Catholics in that many feel that the church teaching are not really that important or necessary and rather many catholics feel that practicing their faith is up to them. In other words there really should not be set dogma, doctrines or faith and morals because its way too restrictive.
But we as Catholics know The Catholic Church feels that the faith is not subject to individual belief but according to the faith and morals of the church handed down to us from the traditions of the Church. Otherwise we would no longer have a church but rather just millions of induvial opinions that would die with each and ever believer.
So individual interpretation and personal opinions would no longer be governed by the authority of the Church itself. This principle is rooted in the Church's understanding of its own nature, its role in preserving and transmitting divine revelation, and its responsibility to guide the faithful.
So I know I have approached this topic before but lets do again. But this time lets look at it from the Female Catholic Saints so it doesn’t seem to be a male only issue. Also my episode on why woman shouldn’t be on the alter may have sounded male sopvonitic but it really wasn’t my intention. So lets do this. Btw, who was the greatest human being every born? Yep Our Blessed Mother.

Apostolic Succession: The Catholic Church traces its origins back to the apostles, who were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His first followers and bearers of His teachings. The Church believes in the concept of apostolic succession, which means that the authority and teachings of the apostles have been passed down through the generations to the present-day bishops, who are considered their successors. This unbroken line of authority is seen as a safeguard against erroneous interpretations of faith and morals.
It's important to note that the concept of apostolic succession is primarily a theological and institutional belief within the Catholic Church. As such, the comments or writings of female saints regarding apostolic succession may not be as widely documented or emphasized compared to other theological topics.

However, some female saints have expressed their thoughts on the authority and leadership within the Church, which can relate to the concept of apostolic succession indirectly. It's essential to recognize that the historical context of their writings and the positions they held within the Church may have influenced their perspectives.

One well-known female saint is Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). She was a mystic, theologian, and a prominent figure in the Catholic Church during her time. Catherine played a significant role in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome. In her writings, she emphasized the importance of obedience to the Pope and the Church hierarchy as a means to uphold the unity and authority of the Church. She believed that the Pope, as the successor of Saint Peter, held a special authority granted by Christ and that submission to the Pope was crucial for the well-being of the Church.

Another notable female saint is Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), a Carmelite nun and mystic who had a profound impact on the renewal of the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation. Though she did not write extensively on apostolic succession specifically, she spoke about the importance of obedience to the Church and its authorities. She emphasized the need for humility and following the guidance of spiritual directors and confessors as a means of spiritual growth.

Many woman today would dismiss these saint because they feel their societal roles of women during these periods might have limited their access to formal theological education and leadership positions within the Church. Therefore, while their writings and insights are valuable, they may not extensively address theological concepts like apostolic succession. The development and articulation of such doctrines were more commonly undertaken by male theologians and Church leaders throughout history. But is that true? Not really.
For example, Saint Teresa of Avila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was born in 1515 in Gotarrendura, Spain, and grew up in a large and devout Catholic family. She was taught by her mother in matters of faith and prayer, and her father encouraged her to read spiritual books. However, her early education was basic, focusing on religious instruction and practical skills appropriate for a girl of her social standing.
In her adolescence, Teresa was sent to a convent school run by Augustinian nuns in Avila. Here, she learned to read and write, studied the fundamentals of religious doctrine, and received instruction on devotional practices. Throughout her life, she read numerous spiritual texts and writings of the Church Fathers, which greatly influenced her thinking and mystical experiences. Her deep spiritual insights, theological reflections, and mystical writings earned her the title of a Doctor of the Church, a recognition of her significant contributions to Catholic theology and spirituality.

Teresa's most famous work, "The Interior Castle" (El Castillo Interior), is a profound mystical treatise that delves into the stages of the soul's journey towards union with God. She also wrote several other important works, such as "The Way of Perfection" and "The Life of Teresa of Jesus."

Saint Teresa of Avila's profound experiences of prayer and mystical encounters have left a lasting impact on Christian spirituality. Her insights into the interior life, prayer, and the soul's relationship with God continue to be admired and studied by theologians, spiritual seekers, and believers of various denominations.

Now lets look at Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) she was considered well-educated for her time, especially considering the limited educational opportunities available to women during the 14th century. She came from a humble background, born in Siena, Italy, as the youngest of 25 children in her family. Despite her lack of formal schooling, Catherine received an informal education, which was somewhat uncommon for girls of her social status during that period.

Her father, a cloth dyer by profession, taught her to read and write, which was a valuable skill at the time. Catherine was known for her intelligence and natural curiosity, and she eagerly absorbed knowledge from various sources, including religious texts and discussions with her family.

One of the significant factors that contributed to Catherine's education was her engagement with spiritual writings and the Bible. She devoted herself to prayer and contemplation, which deepened her understanding of theological matters and spirituality. As a Dominican Tertiary (a lay member of the Dominican Order), she had access to spiritual guidance and education from the Dominicans, who were renowned for their intellectual pursuits and commitment to education.

Catherine's spiritual experiences and visions greatly influenced her life and work. She claimed to have mystical encounters with Christ, and these experiences further shaped her theological insights and understanding of God's will.

Catherine's charismatic personality and spiritual wisdom earned her respect and admiration, even from learned theologians and Church authorities. She became a prominent figure and adviser to many, including ecclesiastical and political leaders of her time.

Catherine of Siena's education, enabled her to communicate effectively, write prolifically, and engage in theological and political discussions with notable figures. Her letters, spiritual writings, and diplomatic efforts played a significant role in influencing the papacy during the Avignon Papacy and the Western Schism.

Her contributions to the Church and her impact on spirituality were so profound that she was eventually named a Doctor of the Church, a title bestowed on saints who have made exceptional contributions to theology and spiritual understanding.
Now lets discuss
Sacred Tradition: Alongside the written Scripture (the Bible), the Catholic Church places a significant emphasis on Sacred Tradition, which includes the teachings passed down by the apostles orally and through their actions. This oral tradition, believed to be guided by the Holy Spirit, complements and interprets the written Word of God. The Church, as the guardian of this Sacred Tradition, plays a crucial role in interpreting and applying it to contemporary situations.

Unity and Avoiding Schism: By centralizing authority in matters of faith and morals, the Catholic Church aims to maintain unity among its members. The risk of multiple and conflicting interpretations is considered detrimental to the unity of the Church. This concern is evident throughout history, where various schisms and divisions have occurred in Christianity due to disagreements over theology and interpretation.

Moral Guidance and Pastoral Care: The Church sees its responsibility as providing moral guidance and pastoral care to the faithful. It believes that the unity of faith and adherence to established morals are essential for the spiritual well-being of the Church members and society as a whole.

But lets double down in the great female saints of the Church and what they contributed to the Mystical Body of Christ.

Saint Mary Magdalene: Known as the "Apostle to the Apostles," she was one of the earliest followers of Jesus Christ and was the first to witness His resurrection. She played a crucial role in spreading the message of Christ's resurrection to the apostles.

Saint Teresa of Avila: A mystic, Carmelite nun, and Doctor of the Church, she reformed the Carmelite Order, emphasizing a return to simplicity, prayer, and contemplation. Her writings on prayer and the soul's journey towards union with God have had a lasting impact on Christian spirituality.

Saint Therese of Lisieux (also known as "The Little Flower"): A Discalced Carmelite nun, she is renowned for her "Little Way," a path of spiritual childhood and love for God in the ordinary and simple aspects of life.

Saint Catherine of Siena: A Dominican Tertiary, mystic, and Doctor of the Church, she played a significant role in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy from Avignon to Rome. She also wrote extensively on theology, prayer, and the soul's relationship with God.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen: A Benedictine abbess, mystic, and Doctor of the Church, she was a prolific writer, composer, and visionary. Her writings covered a wide range of topics, including theology, medicine, botany, and natural history.

Saint Clare of Assisi: A follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, she founded the Poor Clares, a Franciscan order for women devoted to a life of poverty and contemplation.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: The first native-born American saint, she founded the first Catholic girls' school in the United States and established the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph's, the first American religious community for women.

Saint Joan of Arc: A peasant girl who, led by visions and voices, played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War, leading the French to several military victories. She was later captured, tried for heresy, and executed.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa): Founder of the Missionaries of Charity, she devoted her life to serving the poor and sick in Kolkata, India, and became an icon of selfless love and compassion.

Saint Bridget of Sweden: A mystic, pilgrim, and founder of the Bridgettine Order, she played a role in urging the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon.

Saint Angela Merici: Founder of the Ursuline Order, dedicated to the education of girls, she encouraged women to serve God in the world through their daily lives and work.

These are just a few examples of the many extraordinary women who have been recognized as saints in the Catholic Church. Each of them made significant contributions to the Church and society, leaving lasting legacies of faith, love, and service.
It's important to note that the Catholic Church still values individual faith and encourages personal relationships with God. However, this individual faith is expected to be in harmony with the official teachings and guidance provided by the Church, as they are seen as the authoritative interpreter of divine revelation. By adhering to the collective faith and morals, the Church aims to ensure a consistent and cohesive understanding of Christianity among its followers.
So, the big question is whether there were more male saints, doctors of the church and of course Popes has the Church's faith and moral been compromised because it is highly male centric?