At The Immaculata in San Diego, CA we organized an event for individuals from the parish and surrounding parishes to prayerfully reflect upon and learn about the witness of St. Phoebe and the role of women in the Church on the feast of St. Phoebe. Participants reflected in circles of synodal listening about their hopes, disappointments, curiosities and where they feel they are being called in the future. We heard a presentation about the “herstory” of women in the Bible, and why St. Phoebe and other women have often been hidden from history.

The joy, hope and energy from this event was palpable. Women and men, young and old were brought together for meaningful listening, learning and imagining. At least 12 area parishes were represented. This event raised so much awareness of St. Phoebe, and many shared their own experiences and witnesses with courage. This was a wonderful opportunity to listen and share with another, openly sharing the hope we have for greater acknowledgement of the ministry of women in the Church, and our own roles within this discernment. We will continue to connect with one another in prayerful discernment on this journey!