Even though Pope Francis’ statement is recent, the feminine dimension has been an integral part of the Church since its earliest foundation. Although ancient it is also hidden and sometimes forgotten or forsaken. Pope Francis’ call for an urgent need for conversion, whether in his address for reform to the Curia in December 2016 or to respond to the outcomes of the 2018 Synod on Young People, The Faith and Vocational Discernment, the feminine dimension can offer valuable direction and practicalities, as well as enhancements to theology.  

It is important to emphasize that the principles of the feminine dimension are not solely particular to women but to all the people of God. Nevertheless, these principles have been given their most precise expression by the many women saints who experienced a mature and intimate relationship with God. 

Women’s faith is, and has been, incarnational, and thus close to Jesus. In essence, women’s contribution to the feminine dimension has been particular to a lived understanding of the mystical body of Christ in an integral process of intellect, sensuality and heart. And women’s natural inclination to care for others has provided a deeper comprehension of the maternal elements that contribute to the spirituality and face of our Church as Mother. 

Accounting for the history of the early conversion work accomplished by Christian women, as well as the unique contributions made by female Doctors of the Church, one could say that the core definition of a feminine dimension is as a wisdom of “interiority” that informs external response. 

Therefore, the feminine dimension is contemplative and prayerful, as modelled by Mary.  As an interior expression of the Church, it provides the impetus for the mystical which is transformational, communal and dialogic. As an expression of the maternality (or generativity) of Christian life, it is life-giving. Like Mary, it listens in conception, waits in gestation, and sacrifices and suffers in order to bring Jesus alive in the world. As a basically relational construct, the feminine dimension is the attitude in which the Beatitudes flourish, for the good of the self, the good of others and the good of the whole.  

The feminine dimension is particularly apt in serving God’s will through the Holy Spirit.  Pneumatology is not only conceptual but experiential, formed from the knowledge and direction that all things be done for love, in love and through love.