Women of the Church

by Bronwen McShea

While many Catholics are aware of great female saints such as Catherine of Siena and Thérèse of Lisieux, a view persists that, over the centuries, women played a limited role in the development of Catholic traditions and institutions. In this innovative survey of Church history, Bronwen McShea demonstrates instead that faithful women have always been at the heart of the Church's common life, shaping it and the course of entire civilizations.

In Women of the Church, McShea presents a wide array of well known and lesser known canonized and beatified women, others awaiting beatification, and still more figures not meriting canonization but whom every Catholic should know. She situates Catholic women from diverse social, ethnic, and national origins in their historical contexts, examining specific challenges they faced in settings such as imperial Rome, Reformation Europe, colonial Latin America and Africa, and the USA and Soviet Union during the Cold War. In the process, she shows that, in every age, women inspired by God with creativity, courage, and fidelity have helped save the Church from corruption, disunity, and destruction.

In short, McShea clarifies that the history of Catholic women is the history of the Church—as much as the history of Catholic men is.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, History

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2024

About the author

Bronwen McShea earned a Ph.D. in History from Yale University and an M.T.S. focusing on the History of Christianity from Harvard Divinity School.

She was an Associate Research Scholar in the James Madison Program at Princeton University from 2018-2020 and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Institut für Europäische Geschichte in Mainz, Germany.

Reviews

[Emma Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed exploring the lives of Catholic women in the church! It’s so amazing to see the lives of Saints and how they lived the life God called them to live. Truly such an inspiration to read about lives of so many faithful women in the Church. A great read.

[Ribbqah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent review of woman who contributed, led, or suffered death via the Catholic Church. Many known and unknown saints, princesses/queens, and politically powerful wives, sisters, or daughters.
Chapters are chronologically arranged from the birth of Christ to current times and the author cites numerous sources. Mainly European, Eastern orthodox, some African, and the Americas. Interesting and informative. Great historical overview by explaining the cultural, economic, and political aspects of each time period.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Appreciated the focus on collaboration between women and men since the beginning of Church history.

But honestly, it felt like I was reading a list. Maybe this was the goal, but for an introduction that hinted at the need for more inspiration for young Catholic women to see those who led the way in the Church, the prose fell short. It's an important topic, but wasn't a very engaging read.

[David Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and well researched

[Maria H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical reflection on the role and influence of women in the church. I own this book and any friend of mine can borrow it if wanted.

[David Jaspers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic introduction. Moves fast. Left me wanting more.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little treasury of Catholic women who have impacted the Catholic Church. A great read for anyone who is interested in Catholicism and women's history!