Vatican City, Oct 27, 2010 / 09:22 am
The 14th-century St. Bridget of Sweden is a “powerful example of feminine sanctity” and a model for Christian families and religious men and women, Pope Benedict XVI said in his weekly general audience Oct. 27.
St. Bridget’s founding of a religious order that was composed of both monks and nuns living separately under her authority as abbess was a reminder of the spiritual power and authority of women in the Church, the Pope said.
"In the great Christian tradition the woman is recognized as having her own dignity and -- following the example of Mary, Queen of the Apostles -- her own place in the Church which, though not coinciding with the ordained priesthood, is equally important for the spiritual growth of the community,” he stated.
Pope Benedict made his remarks as part of his series of Wednesday teachings on the holy women of the Church’s history.