Many women today take for granted the ability to apply for a credit card or mortgage in their own name. Yet, as recently as 50 years ago, this was not the case. It wasn’t until the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in the 1970s that women were legally allowed to access credit without a husband or father’s signature. Behind this groundbreaking legislation was Margaret Heckler, a trailblazer whose tireless work reshaped the landscape for women’s rights and equality.

On the Your Radical Truth podcast, host Margaret Mary O’Connor sat down with Kimberly Heckler, author of the upcoming book A Woman of Firsts: Margaret Heckler, Political Trailblazer. The conversation revealed Margaret Heckler’s extraordinary contributions to politics, health, and veterans’ affairs, painting a vivid picture of a woman who fought relentlessly for justice and equality.

From Lawyer to Political Pioneer

Margaret Heckler’s journey to political prominence was nothing short of groundbreaking. As one of the first women to graduate from Boston College Law School, she was undeterred by rejection from male-dominated institutions like Harvard Law. Her legal career laid the foundation for her entry into politics, where she defied odds to become a congresswoman, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and U.S. ambassador to Ireland.

Her role in securing women’s financial independence through the Equal Credit Opportunity Act is just one example of how Heckler used her position to challenge societal norms. At the time, Heckler was one of only 11 women in Congress, and she worked tirelessly to bring her male colleagues—and even skeptical female peers—on board with her vision for gender equality.

The Inspiration Behind A Woman of Firsts

Kimberly Heckler’s personal connection to Margaret Heckler inspired her to write A Woman of Firsts. Married to Margaret’s son, John, Kimberly first encountered Margaret during her tenure as ambassador to Ireland. Over years of Sunday dinners and heartfelt conversations, Kimberly gained insight into the life of a woman whose accomplishments had shaped the course of history.

“I realized these stories must be shared with the world, not just kept within the confines of the Heckler family,” Kimberly explained. After seven years of research and writing, including combing through hundreds of boxes of Margaret’s personal and professional records, Kimberly completed the biography to honor Margaret’s legacy.

Full post at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/024-Kimberly-Heckler

Even those with deep-seated skepticism can experience profound shifts in faith. Julie Hannah, a retired university lecturer of mathematics, set out to discredit religious claims but instead discovered a new depth of understanding in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Her journey from agnosticism to faith is a testament to the transformative power of inquiry and introspection.

Julie’s early life was shaped by a secular upbringing, where she was encouraged to question traditional religious narratives. This skepticism led her to explore philosophical ideologies such as existentialism, stoicism, and nihilism. She also ventured into various religious traditions, including Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, searching for a cohesive explanation of human existence. Despite her extensive exploration, none of these belief systems satisfied her intellectual curiosity.

Julie approached the Christian scriptures with the same critical mindset she applied to other religious texts, initially aiming to discredit them. However, her study of the New Testament, particularly the four Gospels, revealed a level of intellectual and spiritual depth she hadn’t expected. Jesus’s teachings, parables, and debates captivated her, offering answers to questions she had long grappled with. Contrary to her initial skepticism, Julie found in Jesus a figure who embodied both divine wisdom and human empathy.

After years of study and introspection, Julie’s intellectual pursuit gave way to a deeper spiritual realization. Her first book, A Skeptic’s Investigation into Jesus, captured her journey from skepticism to belief, offering readers an analytical yet deeply personal account of her transformation. In her latest work, The Seventh Covenant, Julie takes a more immersive approach, blending historical fiction with religious insight, allowing readers to experience the world of first-century Palestine through the eyes of her characters.

Full post at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/023-Julie-Hannah

Sister Julia Walsh, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, shared her powerful journey of faith, resilience, and spiritual growth on the Your Radical Truth podcast. With a background in creative writing, spiritual direction, and education, Sister Julia offers profound insights into the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and community life. She is deeply involved in supporting women discerning their vocations, and her work as a spiritual writer has been featured in various publications. Sister Julia's story is one of navigating challenges with grace and finding wholeness through brokenness.

Early Life and Spiritual Calling

Sister Julia’s journey began on a farm in Iowa, where she cultivated a deep connection with nature. Her path to religious life was anything but conventional. A former waitress with a flair for the creative and adventurous, she later became a Franciscan Sister. Sister Julia’s formation included earning an MA in pastoral studies and becoming a certified spiritual director. Her work now focuses on supporting women discerning their vocations, offering a blend of spirituality and activism that challenges conventional norms.

A Near-Fatal Accident and the Spiritual Awakening

The turning point in Sister Julia’s life came when she experienced a life-threatening accident shortly after joining the Franciscan Sisters. While visiting her family farm to say goodbye before it was sold, she fell from a cliff, shattering her face. Alone in the woods, she had to climb back up the cliff and seek help. This traumatic event forced her into a profound period of reflection and prayer during her novice years, leading her to question her future in the sisterhood.

The Power of Presence: A Miraculous Encounter

During her recovery, Sister Julia experienced a miraculous encounter with a male nurse named Jesus in the ICU. This nurse’s stillness and loving presence taught her the power of being present and the profound impact of non-action in conveying love and support. This experience became a cornerstone of her spiritual journey, reinforcing the Franciscan values of presence, humility, and service.

Read more: https://www.yourradicaltruth.com/022-Julia-Walsh

Sharing her journey with candor and depth, Deacon Adina Meyer shared her fascinating narrative on the Your Radical Truth Podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O'Connor. Throughout this informative episode, Deacon Adina explored the pivotal moments and profound insights that have shaped her path towards priesthood within the Catholic Church.

To Be Baptized and Confirmed: A Foundation of Faith

In 1989, Adina Meyer took her first steps into the Catholic Church, embarking on a path that would intertwine her faith with her life's purpose. As she embraced roles as an RCIA teacher and Cantor, Deacon Adina found fulfillment in serving her community, yet the call to ministry lingered beneath the surface.

Awakening to Vocation: A Transformative Experience

In 2013, Meyer's life took an unexpected turn during her attendance at the SOA Vigil in Fort Benning, GA. It was here that she witnessed a woman presiding over an inclusive mass, igniting a profound realization of her own calling to priesthood. This revelation shattered barriers and propelled her towards a new understanding of her faith.

Pursuing the Call: Education and Mentorship

Driven by her newfound sense of purpose, Deacon Adina made the courageous decision in 2019 to leave her role as a high school humanities religious teacher and pursue full-time studies at Portland Seminary. Under the guidance of mentors like Diane Whelan, she became associated with the Holy Wisdom Inclusive Catholic community, laying the groundwork for her future as a priest.

Ordination and Service: Answering the Call

After years of preparation and discernment, Adina was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church with RCWP last summer. This milestone marked a significant step in her journey towards priesthood. With graduation from seminary looming, she is poised to be ordained as a priest on May 25th, ready to continue her service and ministry within her community.

Challenging Misconceptions: Redefining Leadership

In her conversation on the Your Radical Truth Podcast, Deacon Adina addressed common misconceptions surrounding women in religious leadership roles. She emphasized that her calling to priesthood stemmed from a deep sense of service rather than a desire for power. Additionally, she spoke passionately about the importance of accepting individuals from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community, within the Catholic Church.

A Trailblazer's Legacy: Inspiring Others

Deacon Adina Meyer's journey from devoted Catholic educator to ordained Deacon and soon-to-be priest is a testament to the transformative power of faith and courage.

As she continues her ministry, her story serves as an inspiration to individuals seeking to challenge traditional norms and pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate religious community. Through her dedication and unwavering commitment, Deacon Adina is reshaping the narrative of religious leadership and leaving an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and beyond.

Enjoy more at: https://yourradicaltruth.com/021-adina-meyer

In the labyrinth of life's inquiries, Julie Hannah navigated a myriad of philosophical doctrines and religious practices. From existentialism's bleak introspection to the serene contemplation of mysticism, each avenue offered a fragment of insight. Yet, it was within the folds of Christian scripture that Julie discovered a cohesive narrative of profound significance.

Her journey from skepticism to faith was not a linear path but a mosaic of exploration, marked by intellectual curiosity and spiritual revelation. Through rigorous examination and introspection, Julie unearthed a truth that resonated deeply within her soul.

Join her odyssey of discovery at www.YourRadicalTruth.com/020-Julie-Hannah, where she invites fellow seekers to explore the interconnectedness of faith and reason in the pursuit of ultimate truth.

www.YourRadicalTruth.com/020-Julie-Hannah

#SpiritualJourney #SeekingTruth #FaithAndReason #YourRadicalTruth

Rita L. Houlihan returns to unravel the enigma of Mary Magdalene in Episode 019 of Your Radical Truth Podcast!

Dive deep into the captivating figure with Rita's extensive research and passion for historical truths. From dispelling misconceptions to critiquing depictions in art and literature, Rita's insights offer fresh perspectives on Mary Magdalene's enduring legacy.

Tune in for insights and reflections on the theological implications of this complex biblical figure! #MaryMagdalene #Podcast #ScholarlyInsights

Read more about this episode at https://YourRadicalTruth.com/019-Rita-L-Houlihan

On a recent episode of the “Your Radical Truth Podcast,” hosted by Margaret Mary O’Connor, listeners were treated to an enlightening discussion with Rita L. Houlihan. Rita has used her three decades of experience in sales and change strategy consulting to bring a unique perspective to her advocacy work centered on Mary Magdalene within the Catholic Church. Armed with a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from Newton College of the Sacred Heart (now Boston College) and an MA in Educational Psychology from New York University, plus 10 years of reading Mary Magdalene research, Rita’s journey into the realm of biblical scholarship and advocacy has been both profound and purpose-driven.

At the heart of Rita’s mission lies a deep commitment to restoring the historical memory of early Christian women leaders, with a special emphasis on Mary Magdalene. Rita serves on the board of directors for FutureChurch, an organization with the mission to “seek changes that will provide all Roman Catholics the opportunity to participate fully in Church life, ministry, and governance.

During the podcast, Rita and Margaret delve into the often-maligned character of Mary Magdalene within the context of Catholic history. They reflect on the centuries-old misinterpretations and distortions of Mary’s story, particularly highlighting the efforts of influential figures like St. Augustine and Jerome, whose writings perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women in Christianity.

More at: https://www.yourradicaltruth.com/018-rita-l-houlihans/ ‎

In recent years, the Catholic Church has found itself at the center of numerous discussions, both internal and external, regarding issues of inclusivity, tradition, and the role of women in ordained ministries. A critical moment in this ongoing dialogue is the Synod, a gathering of bishops convened to discuss matters of importance to the Church. Amidst the varied conversations, one voice stands out—Father Anne, an advocate for the ordination of women, who is spearheading the God Says Now campaign.

The Catholic Church, an institution steeped in tradition, is currently undergoing a transformative process known as the Synod on synodality. This initiative, championed by Pope Francis, seeks to decentralize power within the Church, fostering greater participation and dialogue among its members. 

One area of particular interest is the quest for gender equality, including the ordination of women. In this episode of the Your Radical Truth Podcast, host Margaret Mary O'Connor explored the challenges and possibilities presented by this synodal journey with Father Anne, a priest deeply committed to gender justice.

Full post at: www.YourRadicalTruth.com/017-Father-Anne