CRYSTAL
Here in the United States, there is a witty comeback when someone is acting bossy and trying to take charge of a group. We might say, “Who do you think you are, Mother Superior?” While said in jest, this is a recognition that the role of Mother Superior is such that only one person is responsible for making the decisions and applying the rules that affect many. Whether those decisions and rules are appreciated or scorned, the role of a leader is important to maintain consistency and harmony in the community.
As a lay person, I have a different appreciation for the title ‘Mother Superior.” I am a mother and in that sense consider myself the ‘superior’ of my children or grandchildren, not in intelligence or morality or worth, but in my understanding of what my responsibility is toward their growth. As a mother, I believe that my role is to take the ‘less formed’ individuals whom God has given into my care and serve their needs. Clearly, how this plays out in the lay world is very different from what happens in religious communities. But, in both circumstances, I believe that the leadership role is one of service to others, exalting the other rather than oneself. As Pope Francis has encouraged us: “Let us never forget that authentic power is service.”
Striking Similarities
Members of a religious community take vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. No such vow is required of a lay person. However, speaking as a Catholic woman who is married and who has raised children and is helping with grandchildren, I do see some striking similarities in our roles.
For example, I see that the vow of poverty can be similar to the need for a mother to be poor in spirit. Any woman who has ever raised children knows full well…
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Crystal and Kevin Sullivan
