Mary-Paula Cancienne, RSM, PhD, is a theologian who specializes in questions of purpose during challenging and complex times, working to discover meaningful ethical options for how we go forward. She teaches, writes, and speaks on contemporary theology and spirituality that engages religious and secular worldviews. She is particularly involved in formative processes for those drawn to a more merciful society that embraces social fairness and responsibility, personally and collectively. She is a spiritual companion and supervisor, and she “writes” contemporary religious images.
My fear is that if we cannot go to that dismantled place, one of deep confusion and grieving, as well as silence and desolation, then we will not be able to fill our days with new perspective, vigor, and wonder for what life could be.
We live in upheaval. Among the questions we must ask are, what does it mean to be human, how should we act, and what is our vision for society? Human sexuality and gender identity issues are among the questions our society must face with an openness to new insights and with a commitment to lifelong learning. The Sisters of Mercy, the religious order to which I