Did you ever see the Princess Diaries? After watching the movie, I remember as an inspired younger version of myself, attentively writing on a pretty memory card and placing it in clear view on my notice board: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”
In my aspirations to grow in virtue and holiness over the last number of years, this sentiment has often returned. Today, as we celebrate the feast of St Mary Salome, I am reminded how much we need this heroic virtue in the world today.
St Mary Salome was among those who followed Jesus during his Ministry and served him. When all the apostles except John, had run away, she was one of the “three Mary’s” who stayed by the cross. She exemplified moral courage to face being persecuted and attacked, to witness the horrific event of the crucifixion, and suffer along with the Lord whom she loved deeply. Mary Salome was also among the Myrrh bearing women who, when other followers of Jesus were in hiding, went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body with spices in preparation for the Sabbath (Mark 16:1).
It cannot go unremarked that St Mary Salome celebrates her feast day with St John Paul II, who demonstrated enduring hope and courage of conviction throughout his own life.
Possessing courage is not just for the Myrrh bearing women or John Paul II, but essentially part of our universal vocational call to be Saints. Indeed, recognising that there are things much greater than fear -particularly in today’s public square is crucial.
Courage is “the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” It is the practical mean between cowardice and recklessness. A virtue which instils a stirring within us to take calculated risks, to be diligent in fulfilling our duties and to hold fast to our convictions – all in the face of cultural opposition, political uncertainty and moral corruption.
Everything worth doing requires some effort, we must be receptive to the grace of the Holy Spirit to mold and shape us. Take all the small daily challenges we face as an apprenticeship in this work. With every ‘yes’ or moment of conviction we will allow ourselves to grow in courage. In time the bigger challenges to witness the faith, to stand up for the truth or to fight against injustice will become the humble path.
~ Anne Maree Quinn
Anne-Maree Quinn is a graduate of the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Melbourne Campus with a Masters in Bioethics. She also has Pontifical Licentiate in Moral Philosophy from Milltown Institute in Ireland.
Anne-Maree currently works as an Occupational Therapist in Melbourne.