P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world.
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A pervasive masculine mentality still exists in most societies. It ignores the novelty of Christianity which recognizes and proclaims that men and women share equal dignity and responsibility. There are places and cultures where women are discriminated against or undervalued for the sole fact of being women. Religious, family, social and cultural pressures are advanced as reasons to maintain the inequality of the sexes.
It is incumbent on States to uphold with appropriate social policies everything that promotes the rights of women. They are irreplaceable as primary educators of children. Therefore, it is necessary that women be empowered and enabled to collaborate in the building of society by appreciating their typical "feminine genius."
Hence, profound changes are needed in the attitudes and organization of societies in order to facilitate the participation of women in public life. In fact, development and progress imply access to resources and opportunities. Greater efforts are needed to eliminate discrimination against women in areas that include education, health care and employment. The Church and human society have been measurelessly enriched by the unique presence and gifts of women. The challenge facing most societies is that of upholding and strengthening women's role in the family while at the same time making it possible for them to use all their talents and exercising all their rights in building up society.
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