By the Spirituality Centre and GSIJP

Loving and compassionate God,

We come before you in gratitude for the lives of all women around the world. You have created each one in your image, with dignity, strength, and purpose.  Yet, too often, women face barriers of injustice, inequality, and oppression. May your presence be with them in their hopes, their struggles, their joys, and their dreams.

Gift every woman to be courageous, strong, caring, passionate and compassionate, whatever her age, race or circumstances. Make every person aware that it is not just what she does which is important but how she does it. May she bear witness to your love for all people,  may she be peaceful and joyful.

 Words from our founders

«The second treasure is hope, which is one of joy and inexpressible consolation. For what a joy it is to hope, with a hope that is certain and is never misled, based as it is on the world of God and eternal truth: to hope, I say, that we will one day see the face of God, will possess God and all the glories, treasures and pleasures beyond world which he possesses; that we will be one with God. And lastly that we will be, by grace and participation, what God is by nature and essence. What a joy it is to recognize that it is up to us to possess these blessings. "

Saint John Eudes, The Admirable Childhood of the Most Holy Mother of God

«Be mature, firm in your commitments, generous and unshaken in the face of difficulty. So you will become capable of the great works your zeal makes you long for. Become strong».

Santa María Eufrasia Conferences, p. 428

«Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5).

I ask with all my heart that hope be granted to the billions of the poor, who often lack the essentials of life. Before the constant tide of new forms of impoverishment, we can easily grow inured and resigned. Yet we must not close our eyes to the dramatic situations that we now encounter all around us, not only in certain parts of the world. Each day we meet people who are poor or impoverished; they may even be our next-door neighbors. Often, they are homeless or lack sufficient food for the day. They suffer from exclusion and indifference on the part of many. It is scandalous that in a world possessed of immense resources, destined largely to producing weapons, the poor continue to be “the majority of the planet’s population, billions of people. These days they are mentioned in international political and economic discussions, but one often has the impression that their problems are brought up as an afterthought, a question which gets added almost out of duty or in a tangential way, if not treated merely as collateral damage. Indeed, when all is said and done, they frequently remain at the bottom of the pile”. Let us not forget: the poor are almost always the victims, not the ones to blame.

Appeals for hope

Echoing the age-old message of the prophets, the Jubilee reminds us that the goods of the earth are not destined for a few, but for everyone. The rich must be generous and not avert their eyes from the faces of their brothers and sisters in need. Here I think especially of those who lack water and food: hunger is a scandal, an open wound on the body of our humanity, and it summons all of us to a serious examination of conscience. I renew my appeal that “with the money spent on weapons and other military expenditures, let us establish a global fund that can finally put an end to hunger and favour development in the most impoverished countries, so that their citizens will not resort to violent or illusory situations, or have to leave their countries in order to seek a more dignified life”. (See SPES NON CONFUNDIT).

A time for being open and receptive

• Remember and recall a person who has been a witness of hope.
• To look to the future with hope is also to have a vision of life full of enthusiasm to pass it on. How can we become pilgrim women and men of hope today?
• How do we create spaces of encounter and listen to God speaking in the realities of women today?
• How do you respond to events of International Women’s Day, in society, in your family?

Silent reflection

Rights and Justice : God of justice, we lift up women and girls whose rights are denied— those who are silenced, overlooked, and mistreated. Give them courage to speak, strength to persevere, and allies to stand beside them. May laws and systems be transformed to uphold the dignity of all.

Equality and Inclusion: God of love, help us build a world where every woman and girl has the same opportunities to learn, lead, and live free from fear. May we challenge biases and break barriers, so that no one is left behind in education, leadership, or opportunity.

Empowerment:  God of hope, bless the women and girls who are rising up, who are shaping the future with their wisdom, resilience, and compassion. Strengthen those working for change—advocates, educators, mothers, and leaders. Let their voices be heard, and their impact be great.

Conclusión

May we honour and uplift every woman today and every day. Teach us to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with you, so that our world may truly reflect your Kingdom— a place of dignity, equality, and empowerment for all.

“To find Hope One has to have gone beyond despair. When one goes to the end of the night, One meets another dawn”.  Georges Bernanos