Gazing upward visitors ask me to translate the Latin phrase that runs around the edge of the cupola in the Women’s Atrium in Duc in Altum. It’s a powerful sentence taken from an apostolic letter, Mulieris Dignitatem (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women), written by the beloved Pope Saint John Paul II in 1988:
“…the Church desires to give thanks to the Most Holy Trinity for the “mystery of woman” and for every woman – for that which constitutes the eternal measure of her feminine dignity, for the ‘great works of God’, which throughout human history have been accomplished in and through her.” (Mulieris Dignitatem # 31)
Throughout human history (and I don’t think anyone will challenge me), there has been no greater nor more beloved figure than the Mother. The woman who has birthed us, educated us, kissed our bruises, and believed in us no matter how many times we fail – she deserves the highest of honors and the most treasured title, Mother.
In this month of May we remember each and every mother – the biological ones, the spiritual ones, the adopted ones. They all deserve our thanks and congratulations for facing the greatest of challenges and responsibilities – giving us life and nourishing that life with all their feminine gifts and capacity.
A heartfelt “Thank you, Mother!” to each and every one of you.
Author: Christiane Esser
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Thank you for your prayers and support and be sure of ours from Magdala!
With our most esteemed gratitude,
The Magdala Staff
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We are a few months away from opening the first part of our guesthouse and we need all your support, and prayers.
The Magdala guesthouse is set to be the center for its programming and ministry work. Your donation today helps us bring this vision to life!
