Swords of Joan – Women’s Household
Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day, having done everything, to hold your ground. Ephesians 6:10-13
“I am not afraid; I was born for this”, said St. Joan of Arc when asked if she feared the battlefield. We, Swords of Joan, realize that although our battlefield may differ from hers, we will have courage. We will have courage when we attempt to dodge the arrows of pride intended to pierce through our armor. When the spears of deception race toward us we will remain steadfast. When the battalions of worldly extravagance rage against us, we will hold our ground.
“You were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness,” (Benedict XVI). This is a message to the counter-cultural faithful that we strive to be a part of by upholding each other in prayer, living as models of strength, courage, and dignity, and seeking to attain the virtues humility, honesty, simplicity, and holy purity. Just as The Blessed Virgin gave to our Lord her fiat, we promise to strive to be women who unceasingly say “yes” to the will of Our Lord. We know that we can only accomplish this through total surrender to His will and perpetually remaining attentive to His voice.
Additionally, we recognize our definitive roles as women and each of our unique gifts. We reject the modern-day feminist ideology that disregards the essence of true womanhood. We promote our sisters in Christ and defend the intrinsic dignity of the human person through various ministries that aid mothers and their children living in difficult circumstances.
We, Swords of Joan, acknowledge St. Gianna Beretta Molla who brings light to true femininity through her strength and bravery in laying down her life for her daughter. We also acknowledge St. Maria Theresa Goretti who is a loving patron of chastity and purity. We admire these saintly women as models of the virtues and pillars we strive to attain as members of Swords of Joan.
