We live in a world that encourages young women to be
anything and everything they dream to be. Women now receive more college
degrees than ever before. We run businesses, lead nations, and make discoveries
in science. It’s an empowering place to live, albeit not perfect, but it has
taken on a more positive direction than where we were 25 and certainly 50 years
ago.
To me, the greatest struggle of my faith life is reconciling
being a feminist (link to http://areyouafeminist.com/) who believes that women
can do everything men can, with a religion that doesn’t always feel the same. I
don’t have the solution and I don’t think this is a problem that can be solved in a
single moment- or a single blog post. I
do, however, think in times of doubt I can turn to the beautiful, strong women
who have served as strong leaders and great beacons of hope for women of faith.
These ladies can show us how many awesome things Catholic women can do!
Catherine Doherty- Born
a Russian Baroness in 1896, she worked as a nurse, writer, and an advocate for
social justice. She emigrated to England and then Canada, converting to
Catholicism and leaving behind her title and riches. She founded Friendship
House and Madonna House[WU1] ,
soup kitchens for the poor. She is now a “Servant of God,” the first step on
the road to sainthood.
Saint Katherine
Drexel- An American Heiress, she visited the west and saw the poverty for
Native Americans and African Americans at the time. She decided to become a nun
and use her large inheritance to help the poor. She started an order of sisters,
the
Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament[WU2] .
She also founded Xavier University in New Orleans and other schools across the
country for minorities.
Jean Donovan- I’m
pretty sure she is the Ke$ha of Catholic women. It is reported thatshe poured
alcohol on her cereal and wasn’t afraid to swear. However, she felt a strong
call from God to go into service, prompting her to travel to El Salvador as a
lay Maryknoll missionary. When things became dangerous in El Salvador, she
remained in the country, dedicated to the children and poor in risk. Gravely,
her dedication to the poor of El Salvador resulted in her murder[WU3] .
Nuns on the Bus[WU4] - These fiery sisters, lead by Sister
Simon Campbell, during the 2012 election boarded a bus and toured the country,
speaking on working with the poor and protesting cuts in aid. They continued
their mission in 2013, by touring the country to speak on immigration reform.
Sister Simon Campbell also spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2012
on helping the poor.
These are just a few examples of the fearless, Catholic
women leaders that have made their mark on the world. Many of our country’s
hospitals and schools were founded and led by nuns. We have lists upon lists of
female saints. Catholic women have had a definitive role in shaping the world
and our faith and I hope they continue to do so. Who are some of your favorite
female Catholic leaders?