I had met Maria many times. I got to know her more deeply in 2015. Rev. Roy Bourgeois had asked me to join him in a demonstration for women's ordination in the Roman Catholic Church during the Pope's visit to Washington, D.C. After I agreed to participate, there was support and criticism from within the Roman Catholic Womenpriest movement (RCWP) about my participation. At some point, without any contact rom me, Maria (already 73!) decided I should not be the only RCWP involved. So it was, that she, myself, Roy and a couple of other people I did not know, sat down on the street in Washington where the Pope's vehicle was to pass. It was a very hot day. There were snipers on the roofs of nearby buildings. The crowds were large, everyone wanting to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis. There were even counter-protestors to us! Eventually the time came when Pope Franscis was to pass. Our group, along with Homeland Security vehicles, blocked the road. So police officers lifted us off of the street, put our hands behind our backs, and walked us backward from the road. Once the road was cleared, we were ticketed. But officers decided to give us a curbside view of the Pope holding our signs for women's ordiantion!
The next day, Maria and I were together for hours in the train station. My husband was also present. There, Maria told us the story of her tragic and amazing life. She chose to overcome loss by caring for children who faced similar losses as those she had experienced, loss of family and home due to war. She took many significant risks in order to save as many children as she could.
After that encounter, which brought us close in ways we otherwise might never have been, Maria and I spoke on the phone intermittently, but regularly. She lived in the Bay area; I lived in Southern California, so our in-person visits were limited to annual RCWP retreats. I always marveled at her openness, honesty, authenticity, willingness to listen and capacity for reliable advice, when appropriate. I always felt "special" in Maria's company; but I always understood that everyone who was close to her felt the same. And she was close to and loved by many. It was one of her many gifts to extend that kind of love and affirmation to many people simultaneously.
Her relationship with a group of neighborhood ravens, was different evidence of her giftedness. When I miss Maria, which is every time I think of her, I remember her ravens - and her beloved dog, Charlie - and know they are missing her too. Thank you, Maria, for so much! Thank you for being who you were and are. May your new life in the womb of God's Hoy Love bring you everlasting joy!!