New Feminism

I get so excited about the New Feminism. I love knowing that I am a true feminist.....Pope John Paul II writes:

"The New Feminism" summons the world to "acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation." **

The New Feminist movement rejects the temptation of imitating models of 'male domination' which, we must not forget is not in God's plan for the role of men but a flat-out rejection of it; rather, the "New Feminism" is one which affirms the dignity of women. **

Pope John Paul writes:

Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person:
- a person who is recognized and loved because of their human dignity which comes from being a person and not from any other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty, or health. This is the fundamental contribution which the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change. **


This really struck me when I read this passage. THE FUNDAMENTAL CONTRIBUTION THAT THE CHURCH REQUIRES FROM WOMEN IS TO LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND LOVE PEOPLE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY EXIST.

In St. Petersburg there are a ton of homeless people. (Warm weather makes for better living conditions). I can remember a specific time when we were drinking coffee and observing a homeless man who had not moved during the duration of our coffee break. Person after person walked past him. No one really even glanced at him. Then we discussed whether or not we should interfere. Do we go wake him to ensure that he is ok? Do we leave him alone? Getting my friend to even approach the man (he is male) was challenging but eventually he did. The man had not passed out or worse and was sleeping. That situation makes me wonder about what people think about a homeless mans sense of worth and dignity. No one bothered to see if he was dead or alive. No one really cared to make sure he was still breathing. How can we as Catholic women continue to be emphathetic and mindful of all human beings regardless of their situations?

On a slightly different page there is the matter of those that have hurt us. How do we lovingly forgive and embrace those that have hurt us? It is necessary to identify the worth and dignity of these people as a children of God. Those created in His image and likeness. Of course the grace of God is absolutely necessary to truly begin to look at the essence of a person and see his worth. But JP II is counting on women to be the leaders of this calling. He is asking women to do this more than anything else we might do in our lives.

It is beautiful how being mothers falls right into this calling. We are called to be spiritual and physical mothers in this world which is the ultimate means of respecting human dignity. Allowing our bodies to be vessels of life, whether it be through a child or as a loving example of Christ to another person is the highest of callings. And women are called!!!

I love that our beloved JP II has challenged us, called us, inspired us. He knew that addressing the heart and mind of the women would result in wondrous changes in the world. Now it is our job to listen and embrace that call and contribute to the world.

*Taken from John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 99

Testimony- The Untold Story of JPII

I had the privilege of watching and reviewing “Testimony- The Untold Story of Pope John Paul the Second". What an amazing, beautiful documentary that holds the highest esteem for our beloved Pope. The quality of actual film is superior and the message priceless.

The movie was created to share the untold personal life of the Pope. As I am watching it I found myself continuously crying not from tears of sadness but from an overwhelming feeling of the Holy Spirit. This only makes sense as I think about the power of the Spirit moving through the Pope. The story begins with his life as a boy in Poland, continues with his journey from priest to cardinal to Pope and ends with his death.

The movie is so moving that I actually found myself spontaneously praying during the duration. I prayed that I might know Christ more intimately. I prayed that I may be one of the sheep that our Shepherd knows personally. And I prayed that despite my sinful nature I may truly know Him.

Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, the Pope's long-time secretary and friend, shares his personal account of 40 years beside the Pope. Beautiful video of the Pope's time in the Vatican and time traveling around the world gives the viewer a front row seat to the life of JP II.

While watching this movie my heart began to warm and I established a new relationship with this saint on earth. Learning about his life and all he has done to bring the New Evangelization to a world desperate for Christ moved me in ways I was not expecting. His constant reminder to ‘Take courage’ and ‘ Have no fear’ began to speak to boldly speak to my heart and encourage me to reach out to the Lord in hope.

It is inspiring to see the up close and personal footage of the Pope saying Mass, standing before the masses, and touching the hands of the faithful provided an insight into our beloved Pope that I have never seen before. Learning about all the places he visited in an attempt to make and continue peace makes it clear how much of an impact the Catholic Church has had in reestablishing peace among the nations.

I cannot say enough about this testimony of Pope John Paul the Second. I love that through watching the story of his life I feel moved to a deeper conversion in my own life. How beautiful that the Pope continues to be an instrument of Christ’s love even after his death. The DVD refers to the Pope as a man who ‘built bridges between man and religion’. And isn’t that what the job of a Pope should be?

This DVD should be viewed by everyone, regardless of their religion. It will inspire and move the viewer in ways that only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate. Pope John Paul the Second has made an imprint on our hearts that is only intensified by the beauty of this film. Pope John Paul the Second, pray for us!

For more information about how to obtain the movie go here: http://www.testimonythedvd.com/index.html

JPII's beatification

This makes me so happpppyy!!!

JPII'S BEATIFICATION: It has been resported that Pope John Paul II will be beatified on April 2, 2010. This is just five years after his death. I am so excited! Love him! It's amazing how just finding a picture of him moves my heart :-)