Catholic Teaching: the Role of Women in the Church

"Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1: 28) "And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior." (Luke 1: 46-47) Women are leaders in the Catholic Church.

We offer many things to our faith out of necessity and tradition. The people needed a savior, and Mary was willing to oblige us. She taught us how to answer the call of God faithfully. She encouraged Jesus to perform His first miracle in honor of the tradition of having wine at the wedding feast.

While Mary is the most important woman in the Church, she is not the only one whose life reveals the role of women in the Catholic Church. Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, proved faithful to God as well. "When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, 'No. He will be called John." (Luke 1: 59-60)

Mary and Martha also show us the importance of women in the church. Martha is busy preparing the meal, and she is frustrated. She complains to Jesus that Mary isn't helping her. Mary of course was nurturing the Lord. Jesus rebuked Martha and told her that Mary had chosen the better path.

Veronica made her way through the crowd when Jesus was carrying the cross. She wanted to sooth his wounds, offering a small bit of comfort to him. The response of Jesus is heavily guarded to this day. The Shroud of Turin has become a symbol of compassion and strength for all women.

When Jesus rose from the dead, the first person He met was Mary of Magdala. Jesus instructed her to go and share the good news with the apostles. Mary became a messenger for Jesus.

Women have always played an important role in the church. St. Joan of Arc was a warrior. St. Teresa of Avila reformed the Carmelites. St. Edith Stein defended the Jews during World War I. St. Monica's tears converted Augustine. St. Faustina helped create the Feast of Divine Mercy.

Women have shown courage and perseverance in the life of the church. They have suffered, and through their suffering, they have conquered evil. They have nurtured, and through their love, given hope to those in need.

The role of women in the church is far more extensive than people dare to imagine. Women are the child bearers who lead all souls to heaven.