03/09/2023
Happy International Women’s Day! Today we join others around the world in celebrating all women. We pray in gratitude especially for the image of God that women bring to the world, their innumerable contributions to society and the church, as well as for their holy example of God’s love. We also join in praying for greater equity for women in the world and in our church.
Loving God, you have raised up women as holy examples for your church, true and beloved saints. Through the intercession of St. Katherine Drexel, Servant of God Thea Bowman, St. Teresa of Ávila, Servant of God Dorothy Day, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Phoebe, Saint Pertpetua, St. Felicity, St. Catherine of Sienna, and all other holy women we pray that our world and church come to a greater appreciation of all women, striving to promote equity and justice for women in every sphere. Help us to see your divine image in all women, but especially in women who are marginalized by oppressive structures.
Finally Lord, we ask for the courage to admit that we are far from your vision of the Kingdom of God, where all people live in love and justice, and where divisions and hatred based on gender, s*x, and race have no place. Help us to work toward your Kingdom by acknowledging any biases we possess and working to reform these preconceived notions toward justice and mercy. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, your mother, Amen.
