SHARE - Fall 2008 - (Page 17)

tection of the other…. It is women, in the end, who even in very desperate situations, as attested by history past and present, possess a singular capacity to persevere in adversity, to keep life going even in extreme situations, to hold tenaciously to the future, and finally to remember with tears the value of every human life. Each day Catholic Daughters demonstrate your amazing “capacity for the other.” This year marks the 20th anniversary of Mulieris Dignitatem (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women), the Apostolic Letter given to us by Pope John Paul II and affirmed by Pope Benedict XVI during an international celebration held in Rome this past February. Our faith, the model of Mary and other women in the holy scriptures, and Church teaching. . . all raise our awareness of our mission, vocation, dignity and spirituality. The moral and spiritual strength of a woman is joined to our awareness that God entrusts the human being to us in a special way. Of course, God entrusts every human being to each other. But this entrusting concerns women in a special way – precisely by reason of our femininity – and this in a particular way determines our vocation. Women are strong because of our awareness of the fact that God entrusts humanity to us, always and in every way. Our awareness of the fundamental dignity bestowed on us by God makes us strong so we can embrace our God-given vocation. The “perfect woman” (cf. Proverbs 31:10) becomes an irreplaceable support and source of spiritual strength for other people, who perceive the great energies of her spirit. These “per- fect women” are owed much by their families, communities and sometimes by whole nations. “If you knew the gift of God” (Jn 4:10), Jesus says to the Samaritan woman during one of those remarkable conversations which show His great esteem for the dignity of women and for the vocation which enables us to share in His mission. The “gift of God” is entrusted to every woman. In the spirit of Christ we can discover the entire meaning of our femininity and be able to make a sincere gift of self to others and, in doing so, find ourselves. I urge you to read the entirety of Mulieris Dignitatem, which was so briefly mentioned, and always be mindful of the Church’s affirmation of our feminine vocation and dignity. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI each have personally spoken to me of their gratitude for the faithful witness of Catholic women in so many countries. I encourage you in your mission to share the great blessings of your faith in new and deeper ways for “…the welfare of the Church and all people throughout the world.” I invite you, dear Catholic Daughters, to prayerfully consider full membership in the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations, to share your gift of leadership and to more deeply collaborate in universal efforts to provide spiritual formation, evangelization and promote human dignity from natural conception to natural death. To our all-loving God be the glory. This article is based on Karen Hurley’s talk at the Catholic Daughter Convention in Albuquerque. Catholic Daughters of the Americas For your faithful financial support these many years For standing up for decency in communities nationwide Thank You, “Promoting a decent society through law” To fight back against Internet pornography, visit www.obscenitycrimes.org To fight back against pornography or TV indecency, visit www.moralityinmedia.org Or contact us at 212-870-3222 (475 Riverside Dr., Ste. 1264, New York, NY 10115) Morality in Media The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 17 http://www.moralityinmedia.org http://www.obscenitycrimes.org http://www.moralityinmedia.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHARE - Fall 2008

SHARE - Fall 2008 National Regent’s Message National Chaplain’s Message From the Editor’s Desk Mail Bag Book Corner CDA in Action National Convention Draws Record Crowd to Albuquerque Living as Women Embracing the Gift of Humanity A Tribute to the Retiring National Directors Vote November 4, 2008 Focus on Youth Anniversaries News & Notes People

SHARE - Fall 2008

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