Message Board

Dear Friends in the Lord,

The month of March marks the celebration of the International Women’s Day and on this day, we give thanks to God for the invaluable presence and contribution of women in our families, in our life, ministries, institutions, and in society at large. This day invites us not only to celebrate their achievements, but also to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality. The history of this celebration reminds us of the concerted and collective struggle of women and their perseverance. Across nations, women once raised their voices for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the recognition of their rights. Their struggle gave birth to a movement that continues to challenge our world to grow in justice, and respect. However, we know well that the world we live in, do not respect women’s right to equality and dignity.

In our own cultural context, we encounter a striking contradiction: many goddesses are venerated in tradition, yet the reality often reveals inequality, subjugation, and even violence against women. This tension challenges our conscience. As Shulamith Firestone wrote in The Dialectic of Sex: “To be worshipped is not freedom.” Women must enjoy genuine freedom.

Scripture itself offers powerful witnesses to the role of women in God’s redemptive work. The audacity of Mother Mary, the courage and wisdom of Deborah, and the bold intervention of Esther remind us that God’s grace often unfolds through the faith and strength of women. Their stories continue to inspire the Church to recognise and promote women’s leadership today. Pope Francis expressed gratitude for women’s ability to “grasp reality with a creative eye and a tender heart” and affirmed their essential role in building a more humane society.

It is pertinent that GC 34, Decree 14 invites the Jesuits to reflect on our role and response to the situation of women in the Church and Civil Society. This decree invites us to do three things. First of all, it invites us to ask God for the grace of conversion for having been, “part of a civil and ecclesial tradition that has offended against women.” (GC 34, D.14. no.9). Secondly, it asks us to listen, “carefully and courageously to the experience of women.” (no.12).  Thirdly, we are called, “as individuals and through our institutions, to align ourselves in solidarity with women” (no.13).

Dear Friends, ‘United Nations Women’ has given “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” as the theme for the International Women’s Day 2026 and this calls us to ensure that equality is not simply an ideal we proclaim, but a reality we actively promote in our communities and apostolates. As Jesuits, committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice, may we examine how our communities, works, and relationships uphold the dignity of women. Let us create spaces where women’s voices are heard, their leadership encouraged, and their contributions recognised with gratitude. Let us include them in our mission of Reconciliation and Justice. Let the life of St. Joseph, Patron of the Society of Jesus, whose Feast we celebrate on March 19, challenge us to respect women and uphold their dignity and respect. 

Dear Friends, we are facing the real threat of the violence, unleashed against Iran by the Israel and the U.S., spreading to other countries. At this critical moment, we pray with Pope Leo “that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.” Let the soft, caring qualities of women inspire the world leaders to give up the path of violence and retaliation and embrace the path of peace and reconciliation.

Fr. Thomas Amirtham, S.J.,

Provincial, The Jesuit Madurai Province