“More and more women are active in the Church; we are good at multitasking and managing responsibilities”

I started helping out at the church when I was still in elementary school. I helped clean the church, watered the plants, and led and coordinated the neighborhood rosary. I dedicated so much time to it that my father, worried about me, would scold me for coming home too late when there were church activities.

I think I felt God’s call to participate in the community from a young age, and that continued even after I started my own family. To do so, I had to overcome many challenges and trials that came along with life itself. I got married and had three children, and I had to convince my husband that, even though they were still young, I could continue serving the community. We had little income; with only one salary in the house, it wasn’t easy.

I try to balance my service in the Church and my responsibilities at home. Through prayer and continually asking God for help, I overcome every difficulty. Furthermore, my own family has become my inspiration to continue, because I love God and I know that God loves me too. My family is my little church. Every obstacle has been a nudge from God to learn and grow.

Previously in the Philippines, women, and especially mothers, tended to stay at home and had very limited roles in the Church. Now I see more and more women active in the Church. We are good at multitasking and managing responsibilities. As mothers, with so much dedication to our work, we have had a real learning experience.

I believe that equality in the Church means being willing to collaborate and, with humility and an open heart, being attentive to the entire community, without choosing whom to help and encourage, without favoritism. It also means supporting and offering new and broader perspectives to those who ultimately have to make the decisions.

I would very much like to be an inspiration to the community. That’s why I always try to set a good example: at home, by raising and guiding my children; as a catechist, by teaching our faith to new generations; and in the liturgy, by sharing my talent for music, a service in which most of my colleagues are women.

I also really enjoy taking care of our church and facilities and keeping them in the best possible condition. I make sure the flowers are beautiful and that all the liturgical items are clean and properly arranged.

As a catechist, I’ve participated in courses and seminars to prepare myself. I believe I’ve discovered a true vocation, because as a young woman I always dreamed of being a teacher, but life’s circumstances prevented me from achieving it. In a way, I’m now answering that God’s call.

I feel that God helps me every day to manage my time well, to commit myself, to dedicate myself to my ministry, and to discern what is most important and where I am most needed at any given moment.

I encourage all women to always pray and ask God for help in strengthening their self-confidence. I love planting the idea that we need to be especially respectful of elders and that prayer is our most important strength.

In this Women’s Month, I live in prayer and gratitude to God for the blessing of being a woman. We women are special in our ability to give our time, to listen, and to share our many talents. May women become a light in our Church and in our communities, remain steadfast in what is right, dedicate their time to the community with genuine love, and share God’s message with their families.

True equality begins with a strong family foundation, a deep faith in Christ, and a sincere heart willing to heed God’s call. This, in turn, leads to a strong, united, and vibrant Church that responsibly continues Christ’s mission.