Celebrant
Spirit of Life, we remember the women, named and unnamed, who throughout time have used the gifts you gave them to change the world. We call upon these foremothers to help us discover within ourselves your power – and the ways to use it to bring about the reign of justice and peace.
Celebrant We remember Esther and Deborah, whose acts of courage saved their nation…
Response We thank you, God.
Celebrant We remember Mary Magdalene and the other women who followed Jesus…
Response We thank you, God.
Celebrant We remember Phoebe, Priscilla, and the other women leaders of the early church...
Response We thank you, God.
Celebrant We remember the Abbesses of the Middle Ages who kept faith and knowledge alive…
Response We thank you, God.
Celebrant We remember Brigid who may have been the first woman bishop…
Response We thank you, God.
Celebrant We remember Teresa of Avila and Catherine of Siena who challenged the corruption of the church during the Renaissance…
Response We thank you, God.
Celebrant We remember Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale, Harriet Tubman, Sojouner Truth, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who cared for the poor, the sick and worked for racial justice…
Response We thank you, God.
Celebrant We remember our own mothers and grandmothers whose lives have shaped our own….
Response We thank you, God.
You are invited to add your own names and prayers after each remembrance.
Celebrant We pray for the women who are victims of violence in their homes…
Response Hear our prayer, O God.
Celebrant We pray for women who face a life of poverty and malnutrition…
Response Hear our prayer, O God.
Celebrant We remember and pray for those women who were “firsts” in their fields, and give thanks for their pioneering courage…
Response Hear our prayer, O God.
Celebrant We pray for our daughters and granddaughters and those yes unborn that they might offer a spirit of justice and truth to future generations…
Response Hear our prayer, O God.
Celebrant
We remember and celebrate the power of many women past and present. We praise you for the multitude of your people – men, women, young people and children who seek to be witnesses of peace and reconciliation throughout the world. In the footsteps of these holy witnesses of all the ages, since Mary and the apostles, to the believers of today, grant us strength and courage in the work that lies before us and the knowledge of your presence in our lives and in your world. Amen.
