OCTOBER INITIATIVE: Magdala in solidarity with breast cancer victims and their families.
The Reality:
According to the American Cancer Society, there were nearly 1,700,000 breast cancer cases among women worldwide in 2012. This is the most common type of cancer among women in the world. It is a cancer that affects not only the woman, but also the family as well. Suffering a potentially terminal illness is a frightening and stressful event. It challenges the faith, hope and day to day life of women and their families. Sometimes this suffering brings to light other aspects of their lives that need to be reconciled. And it can take a toll on the finances and emotions of the entire family.
In light of October being International Breast Cancer Awareness month, Magdalena Institute[i] will launch the October Initiative. Magdala, being the hometown of Mary Magdalene, is an appropriate place to reflect on the dignity of women and the need for solidarity with those who suffer and long for healing. We will offer prayers and solidarity with victims of breast cancer and their families.
The Initiative:
Staff members and volunteers will be inviting thousands of visitors who come to Magdala to join them in prayer and solidarity with those who suffer a potemtially terminal illness, particularly breast cancer.
We pray not only for their physical healing, but for emotional and spiritual strength to face this daily challenge with hope. We want them to know that they are not alone.
How will we do this?
Prayer
- Visitors will be invited to write the names of family members who are suffering from breast cancer and pray for them in our worship center. These names will be written on a display in the DUC IN ALTUM Women’s Atrium.
- Staff members and volunteers will pray for these women and their families daily. We pray morning prayer for 30 minutes before beginning our daily work and participate in the Holy Eucharist every day. Our “contemplative” volunteers will also be taking time out of their daily work routine to offer more moments of prayer.
Social Media
- Being able to share a stressful event with others or hear the testimony of another person suffering from a similar illness provides emotional support in time of need. Magdala will share testimonies of women who have suffered from breast cancer and share their impressions of Magdala´s initiative and their testimonies through social media.
This text would be for the speakers, right?
If you would like to offer your own testimony, we would like to know:
- When were you diagnosed? How has your treatment been?
- Who has been affected by this diagnosis besides yourself? Tell us briefly of your family.
- Have you found support in this time of trial? In whom? How were they a support to you?
- Mention your impressions about Magdala and its Initiative toward women and their families going through breast cancer treatment.
- What message would you like to give other women who are also suffering from breast cancer?
To read the testimony of Tersia Goosen, please click here.
[i] Magdalena Institute is a developing international center dedicated to the promotion of the dignity of the human person, with a special emphasis on the dignity of women. It will offer seminars, retreats and presentations aimed at educating and inspiring people to appreciate, respect and value their dignity. Magdalena Institute’s mission also includes being a support for people seeking spiritual and psychological healing and renewal. Finally, the Institute aims to participate in and promulgate academic research and dialogue on themes of women’s dignity.