August 6th  The Transfiguration. The group agreed to begin a build-up towards the upcoming Women’s Day.    “Some gender topics are challenging from a negative point of view. We are constantly made aware of oppression, exploitation and abuse, but there is also a positive challenge, for good gender relationships.   These don’t happen naturally and need a lot of hard work from both genders.“  Tracy, a member of the group shared, “Today’s feastday, the Transfiguration, for us Catholics has been one of my favourites for a long time. The three apostles chosen by Jesus to witness his transfigured self were overcome with wonder and exclaimed. ‘Lord it is good for us to be here.’  That was our wish, hope and dream for all marriages, and even though I’m now widowed it still remains the same.” 

Jesus was transfigured before them and his face shone like the sun and his garments became white as light. And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.  And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord it is well that we are here.” Matt 17:1b-9. Pope Francis:   I thank God that many families which are far from considering themselves perfect live in love, fulfil their calling and keep moving forward, even if they fall many times along the way.  The great values of marriage and the Christian family correspond to a yearning that is part and parcel of human existence. St.Francis invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness.  Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise. LS 12.