August 9th.  Women’s Day.   An interdenominational workshop for women and men on the subject of “the Power of Femininity” had been organised that would be followed by lunch.   “Is women’s struggle for liberation from oppression and freedom of choice in so many areas destroying their essential femininity?”  That was the question posed to women and men separately.  Naturally there were different views but on the whole they agreed that a sense of balance had to be maintained between family and work, between being wife and mother and being career woman, but also taking the man’s role in the family into consideration.  “After all the future of the world will be in the hands of our children who need all the care they can get.”

 Jesus said, “Unless you turn and become like children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  “Whoever humbles himself or herself like this child he/she is the greatest in his kingdom. “ From Matthew 18:1-14. Pope Francis:     There are those who believe that many of today’s problems have arisen because of feminine emancipation. This is not valid. AL 54. An integral ecology includes taking time to recover a serene harmony with creation, reflecting on our lifestyle and our ideals, and contemplating the Creator who lives among us and surrounds us, whose presence must be uncovered.  LS 225.

PRAYER FOR THE WOMEN OF SOUTHERN  AFRICA

Almighty God,  You are father and mother to us, your children.  We thank you for the particular and special gifts you have given to women,  the gift of nurturing life, of sustaining and supporting life,   the qualities of compassion, commitment, generosity and a willingness to share.

As they progress towards their rightful place in society  we request your blessing on all women  that they may continue also to hold and cherish  their rightful place in the family,   that women and men together may build a society which will bring about the Kingdom You have promised us.

We call on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who nurtured and cared for her son and now reigns with Him in heaven to inspire the women of South Africa,  to pray with them in their joys and in their struggles,  and to intercede for them with her Son.

Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, patroness of South Africa, pray for us.