Gathering celebrates hidden women from scripture

Gloria and Monica, age 9, of Providence in the Desert, attended the July 31 “Hidden women of the lectionary” gathering.

A prayer and praise service celebrating “Hidden Women of the Lectionary” in honor of the feast of Mary of Magdala was held at Providence in the Desert on July 31, 2014.

Attending the candlelight service were Sisters of Providence, Providence Associates and women religious of Rochester Franciscans, Marist Missionaries and Sisters for Christian Community, all congregations that minister in the Coachella Valley.

Also attending were Providence in the Desert volunteers, including 9-year-old Monica. It was her first time to hear of these little-known women of Hebrew Scripture and women of Christian Scripture.

Selected readings and songs of praise honored our foremothers in faith who were witnesses, leaders, deacons, prophetesses, theologians: holy women of our past lineage whose stories we never hear read in our church.

An evening meal followed with cake & ice cream to celebrate Marilu Covani’s birthday.

It was a celebration of prayer, praise and thanksgiving at Providence in the Desert.