Just as spring is bursting out all around us, Deborah Rose-Milavec, executive director of FutureChurch, describes three hopeful moments for women in the Catholic Church, all of them thanks to a new atmosphere, created by Pope Francis, in which open discussion and disagreement are welcome:

* a meeting inside the Vatican walls at which an international panel — following the inspired lead of bishops of India — discussed the need to recognize women’s dignity and equality;

* a meeting in Ireland of priests and lay Catholic activists that was so moving, it brought several participants to tears;

* and Pope Francis’ decision to end the inquisition of American nuns.

Some good related links, courtesy of Deb:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs189/1101674625527/archive/1120367913749.html (part of homily by Archbishop Couto and Kerry Robinson’s remarks at Mass on March 8th Voices of Faith Event).

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs189/1101674625527/archive/1120672589512.html (full transcript of Voices of Faith Event in Rome on March 8th)

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs189/1101674625527/archive/1120821225401.html (Deb’s take on Limerick)

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs189/1101674625527/archive/1120768969605.html (NunJustice statement on LCWR-CDF report)

http://ncronline.org/preview/reactions-relief-lcwr-oversight-ends (good quotes on LCWR-CDF report)

http://ncronline.org/blogs/simply-spirit/india-truly-outstanding-road-map-creating-gender-equality (great piece on the gender policy of the Catholic Church of India)