Throughout the history of the Church, women have been protagonists in the spreading of the gospel. The Church could not have continued disseminating the Good News of Jesus Christ with the same zeal, perseverance and wisdom had she neglected the unique help she receives from women. But what is the role of women in the Church? Let us see what clues the Church of the New Testament can give us in order for us to better explore women’s ecclesial vocation.
The Bible mentions various women who were instrumental in spreading the gospel. There are two kinds of roles women undertook in the early Church: those who were related to the earthly Jesus and those who were at the service of the first Christian generation.
Amid the disciples of Our Lord there were women who had an active role in the mission of Jesus. The Virgin Mary was the first one in the line. Due to her faith and maternal vocation she cooperated in a special manner in humanity’s redemption as heralded by Elizabeth: “Blessed … among women” (Lk 1, 42); “Blessed is she who believed” (Lk 1, 45). Being a disciple of her Son by faith, Mary trusted him completely, from Cana (see Jn 2, 5) till the last hours of his death on the cross. Her uncompromising faith earned her the motherhood of all those who believe in her Son, as personified by the figure of John (see Jn 19, 25-27). Other women embraced roles of responsibility in their relationship with Jesus. For instance Mary of Magdala, Joanna, Susanna, together with “many others” (see Lk 8, 2-3). The women remained with Jesus till the end (see Mt 27, 56. 61; Mk 15, 40). Mary Magdalene not only accompanied Jesus at his Passion but also was the first one who bore witness to his Resurrection (see Jn 20, 1, 11-18). St Thomas Aquinas named her “apostolorum apostola” (“apostle of the apostles”). The reason being that “just as a woman had announced the words to the first man, so also a woman was the first to announce to the Apostles the words of life” (Super Ioannem, 2519).
St Paul laid down an essential foundation that supports the dignity and the ecclesial role of women. He did this on the equal dignity conferred by baptism. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3, 28). Each of us baptised has equal dignity with different and unique tasks within the body of Christ (see 1 Cor 12, 27, 30). In the Pauline writings, women feature as “collaborators” (Rom 16, 3), “deaconess(es)” (see Rom 16, 1-2), “helper(s)” (Rom 16, 2), hard workers in the Lord (Rom 16, 6. 12. 15) and can also “prophesy,” (see 1 Cor 11, 5) that is, speak under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, women had letters dedicated to them (see Phlm 2) as well as key roles within the Christian community (see Phil 4, 2).
In his Apostolic Letter on the dignity and vocation of women Mulieris Dignitatem, Pope John Paul II wrote: “The Church gives thanks for each and every woman… 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” (Mulieris Dignitatem, 31).
May you women rediscover your motherly and sisterly role in the Church. May your unique role motivate you to serve the Lord Jesus in, with and through the Church by your faith,
faithful accompaniment, inspiration, proclamation, collaboration, organisation and hard work.
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
San Gwann