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Witnesses
Dominican University
River Forest, IL
August 7, 2024

St. Phoebe Day provided an opportunity for the three Dominican communities in Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois to come together to celebrate and do what Dominicans aim to do best: pursue Truth. About 40 members of Dominican University, Fenwick, and Trinity High Schools gathered to share a meal, listen to stories from three young women who feel called to leadership in the Church, have a synodal discussion, and celebrate the Eucharist at the university’s weekly 8pm Candlelight Mass. Students, staff, faculty, and community members were nourished and energized by fellowship, authentic conversation, and prayer. St. Phoebe Day created space for conversations rooted in truth: the truth of our individual experiences, our shared faith, and who and how we are called to be as Church.

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Witness
“I first arrived in Zambia almost 35 years ago. My deepest urge has always been the proclamation of the Gospel. Making Jesus known, loved, and meaningful to people’s lives is my absolute joy. For a long time, I considered myself an apostle and an evangelist. Truly, though, in these ministries, I feel as though I have served as a “deacon” without the formal title.”
Sr. Guadalupe Mancilla, CMS
Pastoral Minister and Religious Sister, Lusaka, Zambia
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Witness
“This work is essential for challenging the status quo, deeply exploring the Church’s history of the female diaconate, and courageously asking important questions. I also believe that the inclusion of women’s voices and experiences will increase emotional, mental, and physical safety for other women in church spaces.”
Krista Varney
Domestic Violence Advocate, Grand Prairie, TX
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Witness
“I know that women are being called by the Holy Spirit and women are living diakonia in creative, ordinary ways today. Now, as a mother of a toddler girl, I want to discern with the Church on how to make way for her to discern her own future calling, should the Spirit call her.”
Ana López
Spiritual Director and Theology Teacher, Los Angeles, CA

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