27 May 2019
Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles mentions, Lydia, the dealer in purple cloth. Her brief appearance in the Acts of the Apostles reflects a greater reality of the important role women have played in the support of the Church and its projects to extend the kingdom of Christ. Jesuit history identifies plenty female protagonists who supported the works of the Society. No mention of female patronage can ignore the Marchese della Tolfa. Although few may invoke her name today, she was the donor of a substantial amount of money and land that helped establish the great Roman College, the template for Jesuit education for centuries. Contemporary benefactors included women whose substantial gifts have enabled scholarships for students as well as women who for countless years have aided the Society of Jesus and its missionary work through the Apostleship of Prayer. Like Paul who valued the support of Lydia and her entrepreneurial skills, the Jesuits stand in debt to many women who have and continue to support their various ministries.