I have always loved the fact that because of the sheer number of saints of the Church (those who are officially recognised and those who we will one day meet in Heaven) there is always a saint who has shared his or her experience of my own particular sufferings and joys. I am encouraged by … Continue reading The Saints In Our Lives – The Measure of Love, St Catherine of Siena
As a Catholic woman, I have always been exasperated by the cultural assumption that I must be, well, oppressed in some way. ‘The Church hates women- that’s why we hate the Church’ cries the zeitgeist… but I’m a part of the Church. Does that mean you hate me? A woman? ‘The Church sees women as intellectually … Continue reading Book Review – Hard Sayings, A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties by Trent Horn
On December 2nd 2017, the Anima Women’s Team organized its first live Advent Retreat at St Philip’s parish North Blackburn. The women shared a rich and prayerful time, especially thanks to Father Paschal Corby OFM (Conv)’s reflections, and to the Parish of St Philip’s. Special thanks go to Fr Nicholas Dillon, the Parish Priest, who … Continue reading Reflections on Myrrh and Advent
Sometimes, an encounter between two souls results in an instant friendship; a spark fueled by a recognition of like souls, kindred spirits if you will; a binding friendship that is immediately for life. ‘Twas not so with St Zelie and I. I seem to recall our first encounter occurring behind the great basilica in Lisieux … Continue reading Zelie and Me
Let’s now turn to a reflection on Mary Glowrey and the “feminine genius.” Of all the characteristics of Saint John Paul II’s notion of the “feminine genius,” perhaps the most primary one is receptivity. It is on the foundation of receptivity that other characteristics, such as sensitivity, generosity, service and maternity, can grow. Receptivity is … Continue reading Mary Glowrey – Part 3, Her Feminine Genius
When we learn about an inspiring figure, such as Mary Glowrey, it’s easy to focus on all the incredible things she did. But this does not give us the full picture of who she was, her inspiration, or her driving force. It is rather like looking at the effect, rather than the cause. For this … Continue reading Mary Glowrey – Part 2 The Cause of her Actions and Achievements
Today’s modern woman is a victim of what we might call the superwomen syndrome. The feminist mantra of gender equality and freedom from patriarchal oppression has failed to secure her happiness. Rather, many women face the daily grind of pushing themselves to excel at juggling a professional career, family life as well as the societal … Continue reading Mary’s Example of Femininity
For some, Mary Glowrey needs no introduction, but for many, they have never heard of this pioneering woman who is on the road to becoming Australia's next saint. We will be presenting a three part series on her life based on the talk given at an Anima event in October 2017 by Helenka Pasztetnik. Thank you so … Continue reading Mary Glowrey – Part 1 The Story of her Life
Today many young women not only refuse to describe themselves as “feminists” they have no idea that “International Women’s Day” on March 8th, began on the day that women in Germany and Austria first attained the right to vote in 1911. Christian women both in Germany and around the world were key players in promoting … Continue reading Breathing New Life into Women’s Dignity.
Over twenty years ago, St John Paul II wrote in his Apostolic Letter on the Dignity and Vocation of Women (Mulieris Dignitatem): ‘From the beginning of Christ’s mission, women show to him and to his mystery a special sensitivity which is characteristic of their femininity. It must also be said that this is especially confirmed in … Continue reading Our Patronesses
