About the Womanly Novena
At our most recent congregational chapter, our congregation made a commitment to support women. “Striving to be beacons of hope, we commit to…walk with women as we claim our voice and work toward an inclusive church and society…”
The worldwide Catholic Church is in the midst of a Synod on Synodality, which has sought input from Catholics around the globe “to provide an opportunity for the entire People of God to discern together how to move forward on the path towards being a more synodal Church in the long-term.”
As the church prepares for the next stage of the synod, we invite you to pray with us a womanly novena, each month for nine months, for a more inclusive church. Each month, we will share:
- A quote from the synod document, entitled, “‘Enlarge the space of your tent’ (Is 54:2) Working Document for the Continental Stage of the Synod,” specifically paragraphs 60-65 on “Rethinking women’s participation.”
- A brief biography of a woman in the church who inspires us
- A prayer for our church and society
April Novena
“In every area of their lives, women ask the Church to be their ally. This includes addressing the social realities of impoverishment, violence and diminishment faced by women across the globe. They call for a Church at their side, and greater understanding and support in combating these forces of destruction and exclusion.”
Veronica and the women at the foot of the cross
Licensed for use through Diocesan Library of Art.
Although Veronica’s gesture of profound compassion and care is not recorded in the Gospels, the women were there! They accompanied Jesus in his trial, his way of the cross and his death and burial. Women know what accompaniment means. In hard times, many times in silence
and in the simple gestures of listening, they bring food and flowers, hold a hand or give a hug. They are church.
Prayer
Women who accompanied Jesus in his passion and death, help us to ever deepen our capacity to accompany people in difficulties and hard times so that we can widen our capacity to celebrate with them in the resurrection moments of their lives.
Missed a month of the novena?
Find additional monthly posts here.