Reflecting over the past few weeks of March, we have been focusing greatly on the role of women in society – International Women’s Day, celebrating one of the first women writers of the 17th century, Aphra Behn in Canterbury, and honouring our own religious women including our former Superiors, in Hasting’s cemetery with a new Memorial stone. Plus the many stories we hear on the News, not only of bravery but of endurance throughout so many injustices almost everywhere. As our world rumbles on in turmoil, the voices of women seem to make their sounds heard and it awakens memories of days when the women were the real breadwinners of the early centuries during years of war and unrest. It was them who kept food on the table as the men fought numerous battles. One phrase that kept coming to mind during this year of International Women’s Day was from Hillary Clinton, when she said: “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” This has been quoted on blogs and on You Tube since 2023. This sentiment has widely been used to show different aspects of feminine contributions, often not appreciated in both politics and in society in general.
Yet, from the beginning of time, women have featured not only as life bearers but one who bears life in the fullest meaning of the word. As we often forget, in the past history of women it was the youngest among us who made the greatest impact; we need to just look back at our saints and to Euphrasie. They didn’t need years of experience to make a difference, they just followed a deep calling and inner passion.
Recently, we celebrated the life of one young woman who is the model of hidden talent – Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her giftedness was created and nurtured by God for this mission to the world. Mary, like so many mothers will be for many women who have lost their children due to violence and war, a symbol of hidden sorrow but also of strength and courage.
As we begin April we will soon be entering a time of contemplation and that time within the Church’s Liturgical Year when we walk the pilgrim road to Calvary knowing that Mary and many women like her are travelling with us. As we fast approach Holy Week and recommit ourselves to all that makes us faithful believers, we pray that this year of HOPE will be our Easter gift, not only for us, but also for the world that longs for peace and harmony. It will be that first message of Mary Magdalen who brought this news: “He is Risen” to the world, that could inspire us too, to carry the message of HOPE to all we meet and not remain as an “untapped reservoir of talent.”
Rose Mary Harbinson, RNDM
Image: pixy.org. CCO