International Women's Day 2019

List News

09/03/2019 - Vatican City

Reflections from Rome for Women's Day 2019

Pope Francis on Friday marked International Women’s Day, stressing the “irreplaceable contribution of women in building a world that can be a home for all,” through their efforts toward peace and love.

“Women make the world beautiful, they protect it and keep it alive. They bring the grace of renewal, the embrace of inclusion, and the courage to give of oneself...”

Speaking about the role of women in “making humanity a family”, the Pope said that peace, born of women, “arises and is rekindled by the tenderness of mothers.” “Thus the dream of peace becomes a reality when we look towards women.” He said they “dream of love into the world”. “If we take to heart the importance of the future, if we dream of a future peace, we need to give space to women,” the Pope urged.

Another celebration of International Women's Day - for the third consecutive year - was co-hosted by the Australian Embassies to the Holy See and to Italy. Some of our Marist Sisters accepted the invitation to hear renowned journalist, Geraldine Doogue, speak on: ‘It Takes a Village: a Story of Belonging.’

Ms Doogue offered insights through her own journey into how institutions promote values such as integrity, accountability and respect. She encouraged us to take hold of opportunities to develop our institutions further, that every person - male and female - may grow to our full potential.

We Marists - in reflecting on the current crisis in the Church - might note the similarities with the time out of which the Society of Mary was born. Rather than throw up our hands in horror and sink into helplessness, we - like the early Marists - need to search for new ways to "do institution".

Mary, be with us in our pondering. Lead us to fruitful action.

Women's Day Prayer