Mary, the strong woman

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

The modern woman will note with pleasant surprise that Mary of Nazareth, while completely devoted to the will of God, was far from being a timidly submissive woman or one whose piety was repellent to others; on the contrary, she was a woman who did not hesitate to proclaim that God vindicates the humble and the oppressed, and removes the powerful people of this world from their privileged positions (cf Lk. 1:51-53). The modern woman will recognize in Mary, who “stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord,” a woman of strength, who experienced poverty and suffering, flight and exile (cf. Mt. 2:13-23). ~Pope Paul VI in Marialis Cultus (#37)

Dear Mary, virgin most powerful and woman of strength, make me strong in my faith, my womanhood, and my love for your Son, the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Amen.