The Silent Struggle of Our Rev Sisters
The relationship between Rev Fathers and Rev Sisters is something divinely blessed. I have said it before: whenever I go for Mass and see a Reverend Sister there, I am always happy. It’s like a father coming to meet his children and seeing the mother in their midst.
But here’s the reality: culture has made men seem more “authoritative” than women. Unfortunately, this bias extends to the Church. Priests are often favored, not just by hierarchy, but by society itself. I’ve witnessed it many times: after Mass, only priests are called for special treatment, sisters are forgotten. Priests receive envelopes of money at occasions, while sisters aren’t even remembered. And society? It’s often cruel to them.
I once met a Rev Sister who told me her monthly allowance was 7,000. How can a full-grown woman survive on that? How can she resist temptation with money so scarce? Pray for our Rev Sisters, they suffer silently in this vocation journey, more than we realize.
Recently, there was a controversial post by one of our Rev Sisters. It was so unfortunate. I waited patiently for the Church to call her and hear her side, but nothing. Later a long, unnecessary canonical thesis came out attacking her character and questioning her mental state and vocation. Character assassination, just like politicians do.
She sought help, but none came. The media became her last resort.
As for Rev Sister Kinse: continue to pray for her and her vocation. She is not an Islam convert, as some rumors claimed. According to her, she only posted that to draw attention because no one was listening. She had previously written to Church authorities regarding her issues, but received no response. She also stated she has not received any letter of dismissal from her congregation, so canonically she is still a Rev Sister until a formal letter is given.
She was abused. Anyone of us or our relatives could be a victim. I work with traumatized people, and I can tell you: it’s not easy. Not many survive it. Rev Sister Kinse is still undergoing psychological counseling. Let’s continue to pray for her.
She asked in her post: let the Church provide a genuine avenue for reporting abuse, with proper investigation. The old method of sending complaints to the Bishop’s office or secretariat, letting a priest decide whether to notify the Bishop, is no longer enough. The Church needs a separate office comprising social workers, lawyers, counselors, and other professionals. They should examine cases professionally and report directly to the Bishop. Victims will be saved, perpetrators held accountable.
If not, more cases like this will continue to flood the internet. I have been waiting for a Rev Sister to speak publicly about Kinse’s claims, but the silence of our sisters gives me sleepless nights.
I spoke with her personally, and from what I gathered, she just wants a listening ear, someone to hear her side of the story. That’s what she longs for: understanding, not condemnation. And because of her trauma, she is both a religious and a patient, therefore, she is vulnerable.
Let’s continue to pray for our Church.
Rev fr Prince Chidi Philip
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