Strong women are rising up and making their voices heard in the workplace, in society and in the home.
The Australian of the Year, Grace Tame at a recent march for justice, implored women to be united in stamping out patriarchy. She boldly reminded us that allowing to let fear stop us from doing anything enables evil to thrive in silence.
Mary MacKillop, a woman ahead of her time, continues to be an exemplar of fearless action and a strong protector of the welfare of women. Samela Harris emphasizes Mary’s courageous stance in her writings.
She was out there setting up women’s refuges a century before the #metoo movement.
She was a woman who stood up for women when women were oppressed or victims of domestic violence.
She was a woman who educated girls when the system discriminated against them. She inculcated them in science as well as the Word of her God. She was a woman who stood up against paedophilia in the Church, a century before it was a public issue. She was a woman who stood up against the bullying patriarchy of the bishops and who was excommunicated for it. She was a woman who dared to go to Rome to put her cause to the Pope in person. She was a woman who rounded up other women, be they educated or lost souls, and gave them a purpose. She was a woman who wished to leave no child without an education.
While Mary MacKillop, as a social activist and inspired leader had the audacity and courage to challenge what beset society and the congregation in colonial Australia, this could be a challenge for each of us. However, we can imbibe some of this fearlessness and generate change in small ways. Grace Tame remarks:
The recent Chapter of the Sisters of St Joseph called us to ‘Bring what we have’ and to ‘Listen’.
raising our consciousness of love by imagining and acting
on new possibilities wherever we are
that will heal, include, untether set right and serve.
Reflection:
- Mary MacKillop demonstrated fairness and courage. Her actions demanded a faithful inner strength that does not come naturally. Can you think of a time when speaking out is the best course of action? What could prevent you from doing so?
- Perhaps there is a small word or action that could help a friend or a partner to see things in a new light.
- Thank God for the example of Mary MacKillop and intercede with her.
Michele Shipperley rsj