FEMALE EMPOWERMENT IN THE CONCILIAR CHURCH: FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, A WOMAN RECEIVES DELEGATION TO CELEBRATE A MARRIAGE
MASONIC "EQUALITY"
Sister Pierrette Thiffault
Radio Canada article
A sister of Témiscamingue will celebrate a marriage, for the first time in Abitibi-Témiscamingue for the Catholic Church. Sister Pierrette Thiffault, of Moffet, will act as celebrant in a marriage this weekend.
Pierrette
Thiffault entered with the Catholic sisters of Providence 55 years ago,
but never thought that one day would celebrate a marriage.
" I can not marry. I am not orderly and this is not my function, "Sor Thiffault says.
However, she received a letter on May 23 confirming that she can preside over a marriage.
It was the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments of Rome, who gave the authorization.
"When I had the answer, I felt responsibility and a great dignity," said Sister Thiffault.
In
exceptional situations, such as a lack of priest, a lay person or a
religious may be designated as a qualified witness to hold a marriage.
" In the Catholic Church, it is a presidency entrusted to a priest, a bishop or a deacon. Only there can be exceptions, at this moment this is one of them, "explained the vicar general of the diocese of Rouyn-Noranda, Gilles Chauvain.
"A pride for women"
Sister Pierrette Thiffault feels great pride for women.
" It is a great service to the Church, but also to me. It is an opening for women in our milieu, also in the diocese, "says Sister Thiffault.
The marriage will be celebrated this Saturday in Lorrainville, in Témiscamingue.