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Archiver > NY-IRISH > 2002-03 > 1015044642


From: "Elizabeth V. Cardinal" <>
Subject: Re: [NY IRISH] more of John Hughes story...
Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 23:45:44 -0800
References: <3C8053D9.8E5A3FF5@pacbell.net>


<<My comments: If Hughes believed in self-help, why then did he rely on
the women to bring the men around??? Why didn't he go after the men,
also, to change their behaviors?>>

The Irish were a Matriarchal society. The women were the strongest, took
charge of the family, the money and on and on.

The Roman Catholic Church is a Patriarchal society. While the Sisters may
have run the schools, orphanages and hospitals they did so only with the
consent of the Cardinal, Bishops and Priests. The Daughters of Charity were
a somewhat different group but they still needed permission to establish
their orphanages etc.

The men ran the Ushers and Holy Name Societies...the AOH etc. The women
cleaned the churches, ironed the linens and cooked and cleaned for the
priests.

In John Hughes time, women, especially Catholic women were always kept in
their place. Yet, John Hughes in many ways was a man ahead of his time.


Elizabeth V. Cardinal


www.geocities.com/evcardinal/

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