Fr. John Huber’s, CSB Reflection On Women’s Day – Toronto, ON

As we rightfully and joyfully celebrate the great achievements of women in our world, all kinds of great names come to mind from modern times but also throughout history.  Yet perhaps each one of us is also invited to focus on the great women in our own lives, and their achievements, great and small alike.

As one of six boys, the list begins with my own mother.  As I get older in life, the more I appreciate her strength, resilience, inspiration, creativity, selflessness, and love that my brothers and I, and countless other people, have experienced through her.  My mother, Ann is a great hero in her own right, and her influence on us is immeasurable.  It would be an injustice to celebrate International Women’s Day without giving proper due to mothers in our society and around the world.  Their maternal influence should never be negated nor ignored.

As my personal list of great women and their accomplishments could fill books and books of stories, my hope is that this special day will ignite a fire in each of us to recognize, celebrate and offer gratitude to the many influential women in each of our lives.