That’s what I want to talk about. We Catholics believe that a priest is not just a person with a special status. He is God’s representative on earth. It is not a position, it is a ministry. And in this regard, questions like “why can’t women be priests?” can be perceived as… well, something like a challenge.

Perhaps, deep down, many men ask themselves this question. Why does the church not allow women to serve in this important ministry? Why can’t women, who can also be deeply religious, sincere and spiritual, be priests? I am honestly a little surprised by this too. And you have probably thought about it more than once.

When I was very young, it seemed to me that the church should be a place of equality. Why can a man stand before the altar, but a woman cannot? Of course, I understood that each role has its purpose, but still... Inside me there was a strange feeling that this contradicts the very essence of Christianity. Isn't Christ talking about love, forgiveness, equality? Why not give women the opportunity to serve people in the same way as men?

I have thought about this myself. How nice it would be to see a woman who brings the word of God, conducts liturgies, helps with the spiritual needs of parishioners. Don't you think that a woman who has gone through various difficulties in life herself, was a mother, sister, daughter, could be not only a teacher, but also a real inspiration for everyone who comes to her?

Yes, I understand that for most Catholics the answer to this question lies in the dogmas and traditions based on the teachings of the church. A priest can be someone who becomes an image of Christ, and Christ was a man. And it would seem that this is enough to close the question. But still, what if we look at it from the other side?

Let's look at how social norms are changing. How the church, in principle, does not stand still. We all remember that for a long time, even, say, prayerful participation of women in certain aspects of worship was not allowed. But gradually women began to appear in the most important positions in the church. And they did not lose their spiritual strength, on the contrary, they became the personification of that very Mother Church that cares, supports, listens and guides.

Maybe I do not know all the subtleties of theology, and I lacked experience on this path. But one thing I can say with confidence: I believe that the Lord sees in us, women, the same strong qualities as in men. After all, the Gospel says: “Do not judge by appearances” — and this applies not only to people, but also to how we perceive each other’s roles in ministry.

I sincerely believe that God created us, women, not only to be mothers or wives, but also so that we could fully express our spiritual strength, especially in ministry. This does not mean that the very essence of the Catholic Church needs to be changed. But it can be a step towards greater understanding, greater openness and greater love.

Thank you for reading this. I hope that we will hear each other again.

Svetlana Banana