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1. In his encyclical, Evangelium
Vitae, Pope John Paul II writes, “In transforming culture
so that it supports life, women occupy a place, in thought and
action, which is unique and decisive. It depends on them to
promote a "new feminism" which rejects the temptation of
imitating models of "male domination", in order to acknowledge
and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the
life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and
exploitation.”
2. During the course of his earthly
ministry, Jesus Christ broke through society’s imposed
restrictions on women. St. John’s Gospel (Chapter 4) describes
a beautiful example of this in his account of Christ talking
with the Samaritan woman at the well. St. John writes, “At
that moment his disciples returned, and were amazed that he
was talking with a woman, but still no one said, ‘What are you
looking for?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’” This is
astounding from our Christian perspective: To us, there is
nothing surprising about the Lord conversing with a woman in
public. In reading this passage, we see clearly to what extent
Christ upended assumptions about women and restored them to
their true dignity in Him.
3. In his encyclical, Mulieris
Dignitatem, Pope John Paul II writes, “The women are the
first at the tomb. They are the first to find it empty. They
are the first to hear: “He is not here. He has risen, as He
said.” They are the first to embrace His feet. They are also
the first to be called to announce this truth to the Apostles.
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