A cluster of feast days that honour extraordinary women of scripture, tradition, and contemporary witness has been the inspiration for “Season of Holy Women,” a liturgical initiative of Society of the Sacred Advent, curated by Faltonia’s Circle and endorsed by Archbishop Jeremy Greaves for use in the Diocese of Southern Queensland.
The Season draws together the inspiration of women ranging from Anna, Mother of Mary, to Florence Nightingale, to the Philadelphia Eleven. It also encourages reflection on the lives of biblical women, feminist theology, and issues such as women’s health and leadership in the church.
The introduction states, “The Season of Holy Women is an invitation to focus on issues concerning women and the church. These topics include women’s justice issues such as period poverty, menopause and reproductive health, and women’s leadership development.”
“It is the perfect time to catch up with current biblical scholarship around women in the bible, such as Mary Magdalene and Mary and Martha. It could be the time to introduce some concepts of feminist theology and feminist biblical criticism to a community.”
“The Season of Holy Women is also a great time to celebrate our Anglican women’s religious communities, telling their founding stories, honouring their charisms and imagining future directions for religious communities of women in the Australian Anglican Church.”
With the inclusion of prayers, readings, intercessions, and hymns suitable for Sunday services, Evensong, or special gatherings, Archbishop Jeremy has suggested there are many ways to use the resource.
“Some parishes might like to celebrate a Season of Women, others might use the resources over a number of years, or for special one-off services such as Evensong.”
The Season of Holy Women is an invitation to explore and celebrate the inspiration of diverse, courageous women who have shaped our shared faith.
You can download the resource here.