Mother Superior   The first time I heard it was in The Sound of Music: “Mother Superior.” The term itself is so imposing. She’s begowned,   commanding, no one to trifle with, firm but fair. Her word is final. Another age, I suppose, but here’s at least the germ   of a thought: if we call clerics Brother and Sister and Father, well then — there’s bound to be a day when priests will be Mother.     © Michael Fleming Brattleboro, Vermont April 2026