Women saying “Yes” to God in the Spirit of Ignatius
In her ‘yes,’ every woman discovers the dignity and mission of her own vocation. (Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit’)
Today, as we mark the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus, we are invited into a quiet moment of reflection. In the spirit of Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, we share a reflection from Fr Luis Pereira, SJ—one that gently draws our attention to Mary as a woman deeply rooted in her context, attentive, discerning, and responsive to God’s call.
Through her example, we are led to contemplate how God continues to work in and through the lives of women today—often in unseen yet profound ways—offering nurturing care, sustaining love, and accompanying others with fidelity and compassion. This reflection is offered as a space to notice, to listen, and to recognise more deeply the dignified and essential presence of women in our communities.
May it invite you not only to reflect but also to see where love is being quietly lived and where God is already at work.
Photo source: Wikipedia by: Tetraktys & Georges Jansoone.
On 22nd of April, the Catholic Church—specifically within the Jesuit tradition—celebrates the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus. Jesuits, collaborators, and people who are associated with the mission of the Jesuits and the Church, contemplate Mary as Mother, disciple, and companion in mission. In the Jesuit tradition, Mary is considered a model of discernment, discipleship, generosity and total availability to God’s will. At the same time, Saint Ignatius recognized the dignity and mission of women as essential collaborators in God’s work. So today, we reflect on Mary and on how every woman is called to say “yes” to God with courage and freedom.
I would like to share just 3 points:
1. Mary, woman of faith and interior freedom!
Mary’s journey begins with her attentive listening to God’s word at the Annunciation. From the Annunciation story (Luke 1:26-38), we come to know that Mary’s ‘fiat’ reveals a heart open to God: “Let it be done to me according to your Word.” This is the foundation of all vocation.
Scripture (Luke 2:19) shows her as a woman who listens and discerns. She kept and pondered all things in her heart. Tradition calls her the first disciple, the model of a believer. The Magisterium (Lumen Gentium), presents her as the model of faith and union with Christ.
In Ignatian spirituality, discernment is central to seeking God’s will with inner freedom. Ignatius himself worked closely with noblewomen and women benefactors who supported the early Jesuits’ mission, recognizing their spiritual depth and leadership. For women today, saying “yes” to God means cultivating prayer, listening deeply, and choosing God’s will over fear or social pressure.
2. Mary, woman of availability and mission!
Mary does not remain passive. She goes in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39). Her faith becomes action and leads to mission. Tradition sees her as bringing Christ to others, the first missionary. Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Redemptoris Mater highlights her active role in salvation history. Jesuit documents often describe Mary as a companion in mission, inspiring apostolic readiness and generosity. The Jesuit motto: Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam finds in Mary a perfect example: she offers herself completely for God’s plan.
Mary’s availability challenges us to move beyond our comfort zone and respond generously to the needs of the world. For women today, saying “yes” to God is not only an interior or personal act but a missionary response: to lead, to serve, to educate, to care, and to transform society. Like Mary, women are called to bring Christ into families, communities, and institutions.
3. Mary, Mother of compassion and accompaniment!
At the foot of Cross, Mary stands as a mother of all disciples (John 19:25–27). Her presence is silent but powerful. She accompanies suffering with love. Tradition honors her as Mater Dolorosa, sharing in Christ’s redemptive suffering. The Catechism teaches us that she continues to intercede for us as a mother.
Ignatian spirituality emphasizes accompaniment that is walking with others in their struggles. Ignatius saw in many women a special gift for care, empathy, and spiritual guidance. Today, women continue this mission by accompanying the wounded, the poor, and the searching. Saying “yes” to God also means remaining faithful in suffering and being a source of hope for others.
So, Mary, entirely of God and yet so human. Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus, invites us to a deeper life of faith, availability and compassionate service. She shows us that a generous “yes” can change the world.
In the eyes of Ignatius, women are not secondary but essential to God’s mission, capable of deep faith, courageous action, and loving accompaniment.
May every woman, inspired by Mary, discover her vocation and respond with freedom and joy: “Here I am, Lord.” And may we learn to listen like her, to serve like her, to accompany others like her and all of us walk with her, serving Christ for the greater glory of God.
Let us not be lazy in doing good things nor tired in loving. AMDG!
Written by: Pe. Luis Pereira, SJ