May 21, 2012: "I wish to reaffirm my deep gratitude for the example of fidelity and
self-sacrifice given by many consecrated women (nuns) in your country," the pontiff
said in an address to the visiting U.S. bishops Friday.
It may be recalled
that a report was issued earlier this month after a Vatican investigation determined
that the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), whose 1,500 members represent
some 80 per cent of American nuns, had "serious doctrinal problems" and promoted "radical
feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith".
While referring to the
hurt felt by many nuns after the report was issued last month, he said that this moment
of discernment will bear abundant spiritual fruit for the revitalisation and strengthening
of their communities in fidelity to Christ and the Church.
"The urgent need
in our own time for credible and attractive witnesses to the redemptive and transformative
power of the Gospel makes it essential to recapture a sense of the sublime dignity
and beauty of the consecrated life ..." the pope said.