Toni Tortorilla lay face down in front of the altar, surrendered to God and became -- at least in some eyes -- the first woman Roman Catholic priest in Oregon.
She defied centuries of church law that allows only baptized men to be priests. She stood up to a church she loves, knowing she risks possible excommunication. The 60-year-old woman, who as a girl was always obedient, disobeyed.
"I am here," she told 200 friends and supporters at her July 28 ordination at Zion United Church of Christ in Gresham. "I am ready."
Read the whole story here. (Requires simple registration after the first page.)The sham "ordination" took place on July 28. The Oregonian reported it (actually, "gushed it" would probably be a more accurate description) last Friday.
Archbishop John Vlazny waited until today to respond in the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Sentinel.
Stories like this not only sadden me, and should sadden any Catholic, but they also frustrate the bleep out of me.
Just yesterday, we celebrated the Queenship of Mary. Queen of the Apostles. Queen of all saints and angels. Queen of all Creation!
What better role model could any Christian woman want?
