Newsletter 3: 8 March 2024

Dear Colleagues

8 March International Women’s Day

On Wednesday this week, Pope Francis conveyed gratitude for the joint hosting of a special International Women’s Day Conference held in Rome and hosted by the Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis and the Ambassadors to the Holy See from the United Kingdom and Australia. In his message, Pope Francis prayed that the conference would yield fruitful results, fostering a heightened commitment worldwide, both within the Church and beyond, to address issues related to women’s rights and the promotion of social justice.

The following reflections and prayer from Caritas Australia are commended to you on this important day of global significance.

Today we stand with the courageous women who face adversity everyday.

May their strength and determination be celebrated and valued by all.

Today we celebrate the women who are persevering to protect our environment.

May we be inspired by their efforts and have courage to do the same.

Today we recognise those women who advocate for equal rights.

May we all support women ‘to pursue goals without bias or barriers’.

Today we acknowledge women who use their positions of power and influence to make a positive change within their communities.

May we all use our gifts and talents to create a better world.

Today we thank women around the world who teach one another fundamental skills so their communities can thrive.

May we learn from their leadership and generosity.

Today we stand in solidarity with those women who look beyond their own needs, working for the common good of all.

May we come together as one to create a society where everyone feels valued and connected.

God, whose love and goodness gathers us in:

we pray for women all over the world,

especially those challenged by poverty and other injustice.

Stir us to know women’s dignity.

Quieten us to listen to women’s voices.

Awaken us to see women’s realities.

Strengthen us to stand for women’s rights.

Fill us with hope to make a better future together.

Amen.