Women – giants of the Church
In the month of March, we celebrate International Women’s Day and honour the Feast of St Patrick. This edition of The Messenger offers reflections that speak to resilience, faith, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, particularly that of women.
The editor, Donal Neary SJ, recognises women as true ‘giants’ of the Irish Church in his opening article dedicated to women. He says, “Women are pillars of faith whose leadership, commitment, and quiet perseverance have shaped parish life, families, and communities for generations.” He continues, “In the ‘giants’ of our Irish Church, the women of Ireland can lead the way. We support the various ways in which the role of women in the Church may be enhanced, including women’s service as deacons, and later, we hope, as priests.”
Fr Neary also marks the Feast of Saint Patrick in this issue. He reflects on the years Saint Patrick spent in isolation on remote hillsides — “Years marked by hardship, loneliness, and uncertainty. Yet those desolate times became the crucible in which his faith deepened and his mission was formed.” Fr Neary explains, “In order to understand Patrick, we must acknowledge the place Christ had in his life. Patrick looked to Christ of the Gospels for his inspiration. Patrick also has a message for the young: you can get to know Christ when you are young. Religion is not something just for old age or when death is near.” Fr Neary concludes, “In his youth, middle age, and old age, God and Ireland were his life. There was no future for him except with and for God and the Irish.”
Fr Peter McVerry SJ challenges us to look beyond surface judgments in his article ‘The Pear Tree’. He urges readers not to define people by a single event or action in their lives and uses the pear tree at different stages of its growth during each season as an analogy. Fr McVerry reminds us that each person’s story is complex, shaped by circumstances, experiences, and unseen struggles — a timely message in an age of quick opinions and harsh commentary. His words echo the Gospel’s call to mercy, understanding, and solidarity with one another.
Fr Gerard Condon is parish priest of Killavullen, County Cork, and Director of Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of Cloyne. His piece focuses on ‘Mary’s Yes’ in light of the feast day of the Annunciation of the Lord. He writes, “She was a powerless young woman (probably a teenager) in a culture that was biased against women. But Mary also recognised her inner strength and came to know that she had won God’s favour. She put her trust in the Lord’s promise and surrendered to God’s will.”
John Scally discusses the roles of “influencers” in our lives and how it is important to recognise not just the famous ones. He asks, “What have Mother Teresa, Simon and Garfunkel, Seamus Heaney, and the late Pope Francis got in common? In the best sense of the term, they are all influencers. But there are many ordinary people who have influenced the lives of others for the better in quiet ways.” He cites a teacher he knew, Patricia Seery, as a case in point. John shares, “During Patricia’s years as a teacher, she always felt it was important to give her students much more than knowledge and information. She wanted to give them opportunities to live their faith and put their faith into action through retreats or charity work. Her students had opportunities to encounter God.”
The Messenger also features its regular selections, including the Pope’s monthly intention, reflections, scripture, cookery, crosswords, children’s pages, nature focus, and RE:LINK.
