She pointed to Rashi's Daughters, a series of novels, as an example of historical fiction that takes available fact and expands upon it to create strong women leaders who can serve as an example to which all modern women can aspire.
Langer pointed out that although these women are fictional, their basis in historical fact allows the reader to surmise that these types of women did exist.
Copeland then gave a reflection on Catherine of Sienna and the degree of influence Catherine has had on her own life.
Copeland said she was inspired by Catherine's prophetic mission of reform and her great public works, including the resolution of the great schism within the Catholic Church.
"She worked to broker peace between the warring city states of Italy and persuaded Pope Gregory XI … to leave Avignon and return to Rome," Copeland said. Copeland demonstrated through the example of Catherine of Sienna that women can be both religious and politically powerful and should serve as role models for women today.
DeLeeuw spoke next and chose to discuss Mother Julian of Norwich. She drew inspiration from the profound impact that Mother Julian had on the world despite being an anchoress. The majority of scholarship on Mother Julian comes from "The Showings," her book of revelations. "They are remarkable in their color and detail," DeLeeuw said.
DeLeeuw demonstrated that even though a woman may be a recluse, as in the case of Mother Julian, she can still have an enormous impact on the world.
The final speaker was professor Colleen Griffith, who presented on Evelyn Underhill.
Griffith emphasized Underhill's focus on "practical mysticism" as a point of particular admiration. She said, "Underhill de-mythologizes mysticism … She puts us in touch with historical mystics from the Christian Tradition and then invites us to the practice of it [mysticism] ourselves."
Griffith focused on Underhill's ability to infuse everyday life with mystic prayer and her encouragement of everyone to pray in a style that fits them best.
She concluded with Underhill's practical advice: "If not the renunciation of the cloister, then at least the virtues of the golf course."
After the presentations, those in attendance were invited to reflect on the speakers and share their own experiences with spiritual women who have served as role models in their lives.
Spring Break
