This International Women’s Day, we honour the role of women in faith history and especially in our Canadian Church. Canada has a number of great women saints and blessed, including St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Marie de l’Incarnation.
This past January, Pope Francis approved the canonization of Blessed Marie-Léonie Paradis, a Canadian sister born in L’Acadie, Québec. She will join the ranks of other holy women who inspire the Canadian Church by their example. The bishop who approved the order Marie-Léonie founded said of her, “She always had her arms open, and her heart was transparent. She was already ready with a hearty, open laugh, welcoming each person as if they were God himself. She was a woman of the heart.”
Bl. Marie-Léonie herself said, “We must therefore repeat without tiring that our principal work is to give love.”
On International Women’s Day, we thank God for the leadership and faith of women, especially those who serve in our diocese and parishes. Answering the Lord’s call, they work to share the Gospel and build the kingdom of God.
To the women of our diocese: May the Lord continue to bless you with joy, wisdom, and creativity.
All holy women, pray for us.
St. Kateri, pray for us.
Sts. Marie de l’Incarnation, Marguerite Bourgeoys, Marguerite d’Youville, pray for us.
Blessed Marie-Léonie Paradis, pray for us.
