8 March 2019

 

8 March 2019

Like all over the world March the 8th marks the initiatives to highlight the importance of women, which also happens here in Central Africa. John Paul II wrote:

The Church desires to give thanks to the Most Holy Trinity for the "mystery of woman" and for every woman - for that which constitutes the eternal measure of her feminine dignity, for the "great works of God", which throughout human history have been accomplished in and through her. After all, was it not in and through her that the greatest event in human history - the incarnation of God himself - was accomplished?
Therefore the Church gives thanks for each and every woman: for mothers, for sisters, for wives; for women consecrated to God in virginity; for women dedicated to the many human beings who await the gratuitous love of another person; for women who watch over the human persons in the family, which is the fundamental sign of the human community; for women who work professionally, and who at times are burdened by a great social responsibility; for "perfect" women and for "weak" women - for all women as they have come forth from the heart of God in all the beauty and richness of their femininity; as they have been embraced by his eternal love; as, together with men, they are pilgrims on this earth, which is the temporal "homeland" of all people and is transformed sometimes into a "valley of tears"; as they assume, together with men, a common responsibility for the destiny of humanity according to daily necessities and according to that definitive destiny which the human family has in God himself, in the bosom of the ineffable Trinity.
The Church gives thanks for all the manifestations of the feminine "genius" which have appeared in the course of history, in the midst of all peoples and nations; she gives thanks for all the charisms which the Holy Spirit distributes to women in the history of the People of God, for all the victories which she owes to their faith, hope and charity: she gives thanks for all the fruits of feminine holiness.

In Central Africa the life of a woman is not easy. She is the one who often carries much of the burden of everyday life, of the family, of the future.  Even though there is no lack of opportunities and possibilities, it is still burdensome.

With the girls of our St. Augustin High School, for some years, March 8th became, in addition to a moment of celebration, a time for reflection (for them and for the boys), and expression (dances, sketches, games...), thanks to the help of the teachers and, in particular, of Sister Annita, the vice principal.

And on the other side of the world, from Cuneo, there is also an excellent initiative: a floriculture company (Roagna Garden) and the Baramò Bar offer a primula, the proceeds of which are destined for scholarships for girls declared the "best students”, at the end of the year.

But for us March 8th is also Donald's mother: 10 children, 7 of whom are now adults and independent. It is she who cares about building the house for the remaining children, so as to give them autonomy and a future. She did share with me her commitment, and I have been moved by so much love and courage

Tavola rotonda
table ronde