March 8, 2025

Dear Friends:

Today is International Women’s Day. The United Nations designated this day in 1975 and officially recognized it in 1977. International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Countries around the world honor women’s rights and achievements on this day. We invite you participate in this effort to honor women on the eighth of every month by sending any articles or information concerning the voice of women that you would like to share to:

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
[email protected]
925-787-9279

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THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
Part 1 – Introduction
International Women’s Day
March 8, 2025
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

stock.adobe.com by Roman Tiraspolsky #655515929

“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.

— bell hooks

Today we begin a ten-part series of reflections on the Beloved Community. It is more than appropriate to begin this series on International Women’s Day. The contribution of women and their allies to the cause of justice and peace is finally touching our lives as we become more and more aware of the courage, wisdom, and dedication of so many women throughout human history.

Carl Jung identified the “anima” as the feminine “aspect” of every man’s psyche. The “animus” is the masculine “aspect” of every woman.  We can see a dynamic interrelationship between what we sometimes identify as polar opposites. Traditionally, and erroneously, the masculine was seen as superior. This has resulted in the suppression of women’s voices and their stories as full-fledged human persons. International Women’s Day serves as an antidote to this situation if it is observed every day in all the affairs of life. Several implications follow:

1.     Each and every woman is a human person worthy of discovering her uniqueness as a person transcending the stereotypes of culture, religion, or politics.

2.     What we split into “obvious” genders is subject to the actual experiences of each and every individual person. This is crucial in appreciating and fostering the Beloved Community.  

3.     Anima and animus are essential “aspects” of what it means to be an integrated human person. We need to appreciate this dynamically. Jung’s insight does not limit one’s self-understanding. It implies the dynamic interrelationships between all peoples, which makes the Beloved Community possible. 

4.     The rise of women’s voices is not a threat to anyone unless that person is afraid to be true to their authentic self.

5.     As long as the feminine is compromised, ignored, or suppressed, no one will truly be free. The suppression of women and the feminine stereotypes men and the masculine in ways destructive and detrimental to all people.

The Beloved Community is an actual and emerging reality realized wherever people seek what is right and just. In this time of uncertainty, we dedicate ourselves to the cause of the Beloved Community by bonding with those who have the courage to live in the moment what so many long for in the future.

“We are living in an historic moment. We are each called to take part in a great transformation. Our survival as a species is threatened by global warming, economic meltdown, and an ever-increasing gap between rich and poor. Yet these threats offer an opportunity to awaken as an interconnected and beloved community.”

— Desmond Tutu

Thank you for blessing the hurting and rejected of this world. Blessings to you for not compromising your dream of a peaceful world born of hope. Gratitude to you for upbuilding the Beloved Community in your everyday life and work.