Learn with DD this summer

With summer days just around the corner, you may be looking to pack a book for your vacation. In addition to printing out Pope Leo’s GROUNDBREAKING encyclical, we want to recommend Dr. Phyllis Zagano’s new book, The Vatican and Women Deacons by Orbis Books. 

An internationally recognized scholar and one of the leading voices on women and the diaconate, Dr. Zagano has written a comprehensive historical account of the Church’s dealings with the simmering question of women and the diaconate over the centuries, her book is a timely contribution to the Synod Implementation Phase and to women discerning their vocational call. 

Abbess Patricia Rumsey, PC, wrote an insightful book review, noting that Dr. Zagano’s whole argument can neatly summed up as: “The real question is not whether women can be ordained as deacons but should women be ordained as deacons.” You may be surprised to learn about research that sheds light on historical rituals for the ordination of women to the diaconate, some of which can be found in the Vatican library. Sr. Rumsey concludes her review: “For those wishing to follow the frequently fluctuating and capricious relationship between the Vatican and the position of women in the Church, this book is essential reading.”

Watch Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, in a one-on-one interview with Phyllis Zagano. Together they explore the history, theology, and ongoing conversation surrounding women deacons in the Catholic Church. Watch the interview here. 

Mark your calendars for our two-part educational series this summer. The first will focus on what’s come out of study groups connected to the synod process as it relates with women’s participation and leadership (Study Group 5), how we navigate controversial topics in a synodal church (Study Group 9), and how we receive the latest guidance on the path to an ecclesial synod assembly in 2028. Our second panel on the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, will be a deep dive with Dr. Zagano on her latest book! Details below and on our events page. 

We look forward to learning together this summer as we prepare to witness women’s gifts for ministry and continue to champion the discernment.