17 July 2024 · 2024-07 newsletter
On Saturday, 15. June, the topic: “The Dignity of Woman”, captured the attention of almost 60 women, who departed from the daily routine of preparing breakfast – and drove to Mulgoa where breakfast was already prepared – plus receiving a bonus – a talk was to follow!
Sr. M. Isabell was the guest speaker who began the topic with a thought-provoking quote from Hans Von Balthasar who wrote in (1986):
“Each human being has been given a specific ‘mission’ or vocation from God, and therefore exists in the order of grace as ‘one who is sent’ by God with a specific task.”
“A unique charism, a unique gift. The ‘mission’ which each individual person receives from God is essentially and socially orientated to all other ‘missions’ of all other human beings.”
Moving forward, the thought of each person having a specific mission was unrolled. If it is God given, then a woman cannot be defined by her role as wife or by her role as mother, friend, partner, colleague, competitor or as cheap labour . . . she transcends all these roles.
As the women listened to a quote from St John Paul II, the horizons widened still further. In Mulieris Dignitatem (1987), it is stated that:
“The dignity of women is measured by the order of love, which is essentially the order of justice and charity.”
A helpful explanation then followed explaining what radical feminism actually is – taken from the writings of B. Albrecht (1988.)
“Radical feminism is expressed in the ideal of the completely autonomous woman, who no longer finds her identity in ‘partnership’ of complementarity’ with man.”
St John Paul II then explained further, the unique and decisive need for the continued effort to transform culture, to create a ’new feminism’, that supports life.
“Women occupy a unique place in doing this, through their thought and action, which is both unique and decisive.
Creating a ‘new feminism,’ rejects the temptation of imitating the model of ‘male domination’, to acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of life and society and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation – the culture of death.
The consequences of the culture of death, can only be overcome by a counterculture of life.”
The above are just a few motivating quotations used by Sr. M. Isabell.
If anyone is interested in more, you can ask Shirley (movtoffice@schoenstatt.org.au) to send you a copy of the complete text.
Time was given for discussion among friends and then questions could be asked. Sr. M Isabell’s clear and sometimes humorous responses were gratefully appreciated.
A vote of thanks was offered to Sr. M. Isabell and to the women who had prepared the breakfast. After a quick cup of coffee, the group slowly dispersed and following is just one of the echoes from the morning:
“I would like to send my gratitude and praise for the recent Women’s Breakfast that I attended at Schoenstatt. The talk – The Dignity of Woman by Sr. Isabell was very insightful. It’s great to hear what she had to say and put it into action in our everyday lives. It was inspirational to hear how as women, we have an important place not only in our families but in the church and to value our place in society and community. I would highly recommend attending this event if the opportunity arises again. Thanks”
Vanessa.
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