Agence France-Presse reports that the Vatican is at it again, adding to a long list of missteps by attacking U.S. women religious for their “liberal views.”

According to the news report, "The Vatican has issued a scathing condemnation of the main association of Catholic nuns in the United States for taking liberal stances on contraception, homosexuality and female priests."

Citing "serious doctrinal problems" the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has appointed an Archbishop –a man– to investigate and oversee The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), which represents 45,000 U.S. nuns.

If the Church is looking to send a message and set a tone, this appointment certainly has.

Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of a Catholic lobby group is quoted in response to the Vatican crackdown: "It's painfully obvious that the leadership of the Church is not used to having educated women form thoughtful opinions and engage in dialogue. We haven't violated any teachings."

As a volunteer consultant to the Dominican Sisters, I can tell you that what I have seen is a community devoted to service to the Church, the poor, and society at large. It is a community whose average age is 75. Most entered religious life in the 1960's, during the Renaissance of Vatican Two.

That's a lifetime of service to the Church.

Like anywhere, you find a diversity of views, both left and right. I have heard some vigorous conversation about the role of the Church, and women religious, in today's world. What I have never seen or heard is anything remotely akin to the "corporate dissent" or "radical feminist views" that LCWR is charged with.

I see and hear women who are deply concerned about injustice, poverty, education, literacy and health care issues. I also see and hear women searching for ways to make a difference in the world as their community ages and declines.

The Church, from my vantage point, is made better by it's women religious. They are a treasure to be acknowledged and supported. Instead, they are being investigated.

At least the Vatican is consistent. They fumbled the child abuse file. They are fumbling the ball again on this crackdown.

© Patrick O’Neill 2012. All rights reserved.

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Like millions of others, I watched Bubba Watson break down after sinking his putt on the tenth at Augusta to win the Masters. It was a great victory.

Watson has never taken a golf lesson in his life. He is one-of-a-kind. He cried as he hugged his caddy, his Mom, and as he acknowledged the crowd.

He acknowledged his father’s recent passing, the adoption of a new baby, and realizing a life dream. It all made him cry.

There’s no lack of passion for what he’s doing!

Shortly after his victory, the critics emerged. There were those who applauded his show of emotion and those who derided it. Psychologists opined about “healthy responses.” Others suggested that “manly men” don’t cry.

It reminded me of a recent newspaper article. The National Post’s Christie Blatchford wrote a column called “Toronto: City of Sissies.”

From the title you can imagine how that went over.

Billing herself “the toughest guy in the room,” Blatchford held forth about 10 year old boys greeting each other with a hug and the feminization of men:

“I am wearying of men who are so frequently in touch with their feminine side they, not to mention me, have lost sight of the masculine one. I’m just plain sick of hugs, giving and getting, from just about anyone, but particularly man-to-man hugs.”

I am sure Blatchford would also disapprove of Bubba Watson.

I think Bubba’s victory at the Masters was cool. And so was his willingness to share what he was feeling about achieving a life dream.

Real men cry. When they’re happy, sad, frustrated, angry and afraid. It’s a normal human response and good modeling.

It’s also the ultimate expression of strength– the willingness to be vulnerable.

Thanks, Bubba Watson. It was a double victory.

© Patrick O’Neill 2012. All rights reserved.

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