Thursday 8th March is International Women’s Day. We’re marking this in school with prayer.

Lord Jesus, our companion and guide, you affirmed and advocated for the status of women in society. On this International Women’s Day we remember your call to build a human community. We join with others in prayer and action to advocate for the rights and freedoms for women and girls around the world. We hold in prayer in a special way women and girls in the Lasallian Family. Take us by the hand and journey with us as we remember your presence in our doing and being.

When the widow came to the unjust judge to ask for help, she was turned away.

Nevertheless, she persisted.

Leader: When a Canaanite woman asked Jesus for help, the disciples told her to be quiet.

Nevertheless, she persisted.

When Dorothy Day faced opposition for her pacifism and leadership of the Catholic Worker Movement.

She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.

When Malala Yousef stood up to the Taliban and continued to go the school.

She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.

When Shirian Abadi was told she could no longer practice law as a woman in Iran.

She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.

When Wangari Maathai was told to stop planting trees in Kenya.

She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.

Lord of all hope, give us courage to persist in our struggle for peace and justice. Let us remember your call to lead people to Salvation and give strength to those who walk new paths to create new beginnings for your people.

Lord Jesus, who shared your life with the women society chose to ignore,

Help me to follow in your footsteps;

To add my voice to mothers who cry for justice,

To offer my wealth to daughters who suffer in poverty,

To open my heart to the women and girls who are excluded

So that all may enjoy the abundant life you promise.

Amen

St. John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us!

Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever!