The Pope and the Hierarchy of the Church

Whenever June 29 falls on a Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul instead of the normal Sunday in Ordinary Time. When this happens, we have the opportunity to reflect on the nature of the Church and its masculine, hierarchical dimension. This aspect of the Church gives us the grace of the Sacraments and the guarantee of the truth of her teachings. Yet, the constant conviction of the Church is that her nature is fundamentally feminine, as the "Bride of Christ." Learning to be receptive, like Mary, is the key to our self-understanding. May Peter and Mary teach us to be Church!