Phyllis Zagano
Advocate for Women’s Ordination
Phyllis Zagano, writer for National Catholic Fishwrap, has begun a smear campaign against our beloved Fr Z. It appears she takes the fact that woman cannot be ordained to the Diaconate as a personal insult and feels it is her right to attack and insult the good Priests and Bishops who speak the truth. It would also appear that she has no idea what she is advocating for. She apparently thinks that the Deaconesses of old had some kind of power in the Church and if the
Phyllis Zagano
Church just re-established that order, all would be grand. What she, and the others like her, fail to realize is that they did not have any power, they were not ordained and they were not considered equal to the male deacons. They were not equal because they DID NOT receive any kind of Ordination whatsoever; not because women are inferior. She is fighting for something that never was in the first place.
The women who acted as Deaconesses provided services to other women to keep the male Priests from inappropriate situations. It was not appropriate for a male Priest to Baptize a woman using the immersion method. (It still isn’t.) Nor was it appropriate for male Priests to minster to sick women. They were in all ways serving the male Priesthood! Why do women like Phyllis want this reinstated in the Church? She is fighting, in the name of equality for women, to make women public servants to male Priests. (Helping Priests in these situations — and in general — is something good and I am not suggesting that doing so is degrading; but it makes her argument a self-refuting one.)
I have posted the Church’s teachings on Deaconesses before, but I feel compelled to re-post them now. They clearly show that the Roman Catholic Church NEVER ordained women to the Diaconate!
Tertullian ~ The Veiling of Virgins 9 (A.D. 206)
It is not permitted for a woman to speak in the church (1 Cor 14:34-35), but neither [is it permitted her] … to offer, nor to claim to herself a lot in any manly function, not to say sacerdotal office.
Hippolytus ~ The Apostolic Tradition 11(A.D. 215)
When a widow is to be appointed, she is not to be ordained, but is designated by being named [a widow]. …
A widow is appointed by words alone, and is then associated with the other widows. Hands are not imposed on her, because she does not offer the oblation and she does not conduct the liturgy.
Ordination is for the clergy because of the liturgy; but a widow is appointed for prayer, and prayer is the duty of all.
Council of Nicaea I ~ Canon 19 (A.D. 325)
Similarly, in regard to the deaconesses, as with all who are enrolled in the register, the same procedure is to be observed. We have made mention of the deaconesses, who have been enrolled in this position, although, not having been in any way ordained, they are certainly to be numbered among the laity.
Council of Laodicea ~ Canon 11 (A.D. 360)
The so-called presbyteresses or presidentesses are not to be ordained in the Church.
St. Epiphanius of Salamis, Father of the Church ~ Against Heresies (A.D. 377)
• It is true that in the Church there is an order of deaconesses, not for being a priestess nor for any kind of work of administration, but for the sake of the dignity of the female sex, either at the time of baptism or of examining the sick or suffering, so that the naked body of a female may not be seen by men administering sacred rites, but by the deaconess.(ibid)
• From this bishop [James the Just] and the just-named apostles, the succession of bishops and presbyters [priests] in the house of God have been established. Never was a woman called to these. … According to the evidence of Scripture, there were, to be sure, the four daughters of the evangelist Philip, who engaged in prophecy, but they were not priestesses. (ibid)
• If women were to be charged by God with entering the priesthood or with assuming ecclesiastical office, then in the New Covenant it would have devolved upon no one more than Mary to fulfill a priestly function. She was invested with so great an honor as to be allowed to provide a dwelling in her womb for the heavenly God and King of all things, the Son of God. … But He did not find this [the conferring of priesthood on her] good.(ibid, 79:3)
The Apostolic Constitutions ~ (A.D. 400)
• A virgin is not ordained, for we have no such command from the Lord, for this is a state of voluntary trial, not for the reproach of marriage, but on account of leisure for piety. (Apostolic Constitutions 8:24)
But if in the foregoing constitutions we have not permitted [women] to teach, how will any one allow them, contrary to nature, to perform the office of the priest? For this is one of the ignorant practices of Gentile atheism, to ordain women priests to the female deities, not one of the constitutions of Christ. (ibid, 3:9)
• A widow is not ordained; yet if she has lost her husband a great while and has lived soberly and unblamably and has taken extraordinary care of her family, as Judith and Anna those women of great reputation, let her be chosen into the order of widows. (ibid, 8:25)
• A deaconess does not bless, but neither does she perform anything else that is done by presbyters [priests] and deacons, but she guards the doors and greatly assists the presbyters, for the sake of decorum, when they are baptizing women. (ibid, 8:28)
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Another argument that the feminazies use is that since Deacons are not Priests and the Church only forbids women Priests, then women Deacons are permissible. Wrong again. Fr. Chad Ripperger proved that Holy Orders cannot be divided. The requirement to receive part of Holy Orders is that they are able to receive all of the Sacrament.
Get over it Phyllis. You will never receive Ordination to the Diaconate, nor will any woman. Stop fighting for something that will never happen. If you love the Priesthood and Diaconate so much, get in touch with your “inner woman”, become a Spiritual Mother, and adopt one.
Folks–This is what started Fr Z’s attacks on me:
http://ncronline.org/blogs/just-catholic/who-are-these-guys-and-where-did-they-come
As documented here:
http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/news/crime/bishop-admits-to-not-reading-letter-of-suspected-abuse-until-more-than-a-year-after-it-was-sent
And somehow the writer connects that to my academic writing:
http://www.nwcu.org/Documents/Zagano-JES-corrected23APR10.pdf
Why is the ultra-right so angry and defensive about legitimate research and discussion?
Hi Phyllis!
I was wondering if you would comment on this and I’m glad you did. What about this post seems angry and defensive? And how is research into something that has/will never happen legitimate? It would seem to me that researching and discussing the ordination of women makes as much sense as researching flying pigs. Stating the facts about how pigs will never fly can hardly be classified as making angry and defensive statements.
Thanks for stopping by and be assured of my prayers for you
Catherine
Catherine
Um, you made an unwarranted leap there with your response. Phyllis was not referring to your post, but to the responses she had gotten to/in the links.
That’s interesting because it was a comment on my post.
She was explaining and reacting to the the background rather the directing that comment at your post as such; your post was merely the occasion for so doing.
Ok, and the reason you are explaining her actions is…? She isn’t able to speak for herself?
Be assured of my prayers
In the Sorrowful Heart
Catherine
And somehow the writer connects that to my academic writing:
Another thing: She clearly mentions “the writer.” If it wasn’t directed at me and my post, but at the vague “ultra-right”, why did she specifically mention “the writer?”
This is amusing, I hope you continue to comment on her behalf.
God bless you and may Our Lady hold you.
Catherine
I think Phyllis Zagano did not have any answer to your arguments. She defended something else. Great research from the Patristic era. I think we need progress in the Church but that progress is going back to our roots. the Era of the Fathers of the Church is the best in Church history, in fact that was the real golden age. I respect all the women in the world but they cannot be priests is a fact. i think we do not need to discuss about this because the Church is very clear from the beginning about the ordination of women.
You’re right Kamran, she didn’t have any answers except to say I was “deeply angry” and part of the “ultra-right” — like Catholicism is politics. The ordination of women should be an non-issue, but the devil is working hard these days. Poor soul, she needs so many prayers. Pray with me for her to Our Lady of Sorrows. Phyllis is in great need of them.
I pray for you daily as well
May God bless you
Catherine
I am still wondering why you say I am conducting a “smear campaign” against someone who has published some very nasty things about me;
This link will help you understand.
I have not written anything about this person, except to characterize him as “mysterious” and part of the orthodox-right.
Meanwhile, you have pubished some deeply angry commentary, and your readers seem to recognize that fact.
Really? They do? That’s interesting because as admin of this site, I haven’t been aware of that. What do you know that I don’t?
BTW, your research on women deacons is flawed.
Please enlighten me.
You are in my daily prayers Phyllis. May God bless you and Our Mother keep you,
Catherine
I find it absolutely amazing that there is such a smear campaign under way against both Bishop Finn and Fr. Z. It is incredibly appalling that someone would attack these good men in such a diabolical way.
We would do well to remember that we, too, are sinners. Try as we might, we do not know all of the circumstances surrounding Bishop Finn’s actions or what some deem as in-action. Before going on an all-out smear campaign, remember that he is a validly ordained minister of Holy Mother Church. Like it or not, he has the power to consecrate and to forgive our sins.
To desire this gift for women is deeply flawed and an attack on our true femininity. Why is it that women are so hell-bent on wanting to be ordained deacons or priests? What is wrong with being a MOTHER? That is what God has called us to do. He has given us a very high calling in bringing children into the world and raising them to be citizens of heaven.
If we want to fulfill the highest calling that God has given us, why not be a mother? And, if it is physically impossible to be a mother, then be a spiritual mother to these priests who so desperately need our support, prayers and sacrifices. God will reward our actions towards His priests one day. If we faithfully love them and provide them with the spiritual support they need to fulfill His calling for them, our reward will be great. If, on the other hand, we only attack the “orthodox-right” or those who we perceive are not in agreement with our views and make all-out attempts to bring them down, eternity will be long and painful and agonizing.
Thank you, Catherine, for bringing this website into existence so that those of us who love our priests can gain spiritual enrichment and learn how to more-effectively pray for them. You and your apostolate remain in my prayers daily.
God love you!
Catherine
Thank you, Catherine, for mentioning the diabolical aspect of this. All of those involved need our most fervent prayers. May God bless you and Our Mother hold you.
I hear they go great with Mystic Monk Coffee 
BTW, I am waiting for our Zagnut Bars
Dear Catherine,
As a mother of several young children, I see every single day how there are traps laid to ensnare our youth. Many times, it’s in my own faults. If the traps for these young souls are so numerous, how many more are laid for our dear priests?
May God bless us with many holy young men who will have the perseverance necessary to be good, solid, orthodox priests!
BTW, is there a combination better than chocolate, nuts and Mystic Monk coffee??? Try as I might, I cannot think of one.
“Phyllis Zagano, writer for National Catholic Fishwrap, has begun a smear campaign against our beloved Fr Z.”
The above statement is false and derogatory.
Hi Phyllis!
I’m so glad you stopped by again. I haven’t had much time to work on my site in the past few weeks but I am very happy that you have had the time to comment again
If it is a false and derogatory statement then I can be assured of your continued prayers for my conversion of heart to see the truth, right? That’s a silly question, I know. I thank you for your prayers. (I have a deep devotion to Our Mother of Sorrows – Her feast day was yesterday – I wouldn’t mind a few to her for me — that is if you have the time.)
As for you dear Phyllis, you are in my daily prayers especially at daily Mass. I place you and your work on the Patent when I fix my intention at every Latin Mass I attend. Your conversion of heart to see the truth is an intention of mine for every Rosary and Rosary of the Seven Sorrows I say. So let’s keep this up, shall we? You pray for me and I pray for you.
May God bless you and Our Lady hold you
Catherine — A Deeply Angry Ultra-Right Traddy
Here’s an inetrview with experts in the field.
So, by experts you mean those in opposition to the Church’s teaching? What exactly do you mean by “in the field”? You can’t possibly be speaking about the false teachings, ideas and actions that can and do lead to an automatic, latae sententiae excommunication? Why on earth would you want to be in that field Phyllis? Are you forgetting that you will one day die and have to answer to the Judge that founded the Church that you are fighing against?
Really regret the anger and misinformation on this blog. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too! I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this comment, MEGA computer problems. But Santa
gave me a new one, so I am getting the site back on track. Just an observation here — you have mentioned anger several times in your comments to me…have you ever examined yourself to see why you are so angry? Here is a site that has some contact info for good Catholic counsellors http://www.cssisus.org/services/social/index.html. They might be able to help you figure yourself out. Also, quiet time in front of the Blessed Sacrament is a great help as well. May God bless you and Our Lady hold you
Catherine
http://www.religiondispatches.org/books/atheologies/5485/it%27s_time_to_ordain_women%E2%80%94again
Thank you for this good blog, and for this good commentary re Ms. Zagano. I can corroborate some of your ideas from my experience in the college seminary, on Long Island (perhaps ten miles from Hofstra), in the late 1970s. In those dreadful, ultra-leftist days in the Church, the standard bulwark against orthodoxy was the “Ooh, you are so angry” defense.
Pray for the men whose vocations did not survive that system. There was more than one Phyllis afoot in those days.
It’s disappointing that she’s stuck in that groove, repeating the Anger Defense over and over again. No new ideas, I guess.
But if my seminary experience is any help to you, let me point out that Zagano’s constant references to non-existent ‘rage’ and ‘anger’ are not only standard left-wing dodges, but surely projections as well. You don’t sound angry, and I don’t think you are angry. SHE is the one with the problem.
And BRAVO for referring her to psychological counseling. About time she got a taste of that medicine. She’s the one with the problem, not you. Stand up to her, debate her, hold her accountable, and if need be laugh out loud at her.
And also, as you already have said, pray for her. And pray for me, too. I’m still recovering from a few Phyllises of my own.
I will remember you in my daily prayers. Her constant comments about my anger are always great for a good laugh. The poor thing, she is so lost and angry and she can’t see it. Thank you for your honesty and help. Be assured that I will pray and get my friends to pray for you.
May God bless you and Our Lady hold you
Catherine