Editor’s Note

Apr 04, 2024

By Patricia Pereira
In this season of reflection and renewal, the Feast of the Annunciation, traditionally celebrated on March 25, but moved to April 8 this year*, invites us into a deeper contemplation of God’s infinite wisdom and grace. This feast commemorates the moment the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son, Jesus, marking a fundamental moment in our salvation history. It is a celebration that intertwines divine mystery with the profound dignity of a young woman from Nazareth, chosen to be the Mother of God. This year, the timing of the Annunciation beautifully aligns with Pope Francis’ intention for April, which calls us to recognise and advocate for the dignity and worth of women in every culture, urging an end to the discrimination they face around the globe.

The synchronicity of these events provides an opportunity for reflection on the role and value of women in our families, society, the Church, and the world at large. Mary’s fiat - her yes to God’s plan - serves as a testament to the strength, courage, and faith that women exemplify and contribute to the foundational structures of our faith and society. Her role accentuates not only the capability of women to carry and nurture life, but also their ability to be vital agents of change and bearers of God’s message of love and salvation.

Pope Francis’ intention for the month of April is a clarion call to recognise the intrinsic dignity and worth of every woman, reflecting the respect and honour bestowed upon Mary. It is a reminder that the discrimination and injustices women face - whether through exclusion, marginalisation, or violence - contravene the Gospel’s message of love, equality, and dignity for all. This call is not merely for acknowledgment but for actionable change within every sphere of human interaction, from our homes to the highest levels of global leadership.

Women’s roles in families cannot be overstated; they are often the heart and backbone of the home, providing not just care and nurturing but also leadership and wisdom. In society, women’s contributions are equally indispensable, driving progress in science, politics, education, and the arts. Yet, despite these contributions, women often face barriers that limit their participation and recognition, rooted in outdated stereotypes and systemic inequalities.

In the Church, the Feast of the Annunciation is a great reminder of the essential role women play in the faith community. Women are educators of faith, leaders in charity, and proponents of peace and justice. Their voices and perspectives are critical in reflecting the fullness of the Church’s mission to bring Christ’s love to the world. Echoing Pope Francis’ repeated calls, it’s imperative for the Church to expand the spaces for a more incisive female presence in the Church. The Holy Father poignantly noted, “Our Lady, Mary, was more important than the Apostles, bishops, deacons, and priests. In the Church, the role of a woman surpasses that of bishops and priests. This significance is what we must further elucidate, as there is a theological clarity yet to be fully unveiled.”

Globally, the recognition of women’s dignity and the end of discrimination are not just moral imperatives but prerequisites for sustainable development and peace. When women are educated, empowered, and given equal opportunities, societies flourish. Respect for women’s dignity can catalyse the transformation needed to address the world’s most pressing challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change and conflict.

As we reflect on the Annunciation and the Pope’s intention for this April, let us commit to recognising and championing the dignity and worth of women in every corner of our world. Let this be a time when we actively work to dismantle the structures of discrimination and build a more just and equitable society, honouring the image of God in every person.

May the example of Mary’s faith and courage inspire us all to say our own ‘yes’ to God’s call to love and serve one another, particularly the least among us, with open hearts and willing hands.

*Should March 25 fall within Holy Week or the Easter octave - the week immediately following Easter Sunday - the celebration of the Annunciation is moved to the first Monday after the Easter octave. Consequently, this year, with March 25 being Holy Monday according to the Roman calendar, the liturgical observance of the Annunciation is scheduled for Monday, April 8.