Ablaze Women Ministry – Our First Gathering

On Monday evening, 30th March, twenty-seven women, of all ages, gathered for the very first Ablaze Women Ministry session—and what a grace-filled beginning it was.

The evening opened with a warm welcome, followed by Fr Richard’s special blessing to launch the ministry. There was a deep sense that God was beginning something new among us—something gentle, yet powerful.

We were introduced to the heart of the ministry through its three pillars: Heart, Home, and Honour—a simple yet profound invitation to live more deeply with God.

• We are called to have a Heart like Mary’s—open, trusting, and willing to be shaped by God from within.
• To build a Home—not just a place, but a living community where every woman feels seen, safe, and truly belongs.
• And to live with Honour—choosing, each day, to walk intentionally with God so that our faith becomes alive, active, and transformative.

Together, these pillars call us into something greater: to become missionary disciples, women who carry God’s love, healing, and compassion into the world—formed, strengthened, and sent by the Holy Spirit.

The session continued with a Scripture reading through Lectio Divina, reflecting on John 19:25–27: “Standing with Mary at the foot of the Cross”. In this sacred moment, each woman was invited to place herself beside Mary, to stand in both sorrow and hope, and to encounter Jesus in a deeply personal way.

This was followed by Eucharistic Adoration, offering a time of silent prayer to reflect deeply. Participants were invited to imagine Mary standing beside them, gently leading them to open their hearts to the loving gaze of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

A particularly profound moment of the evening was the symbolic blessing led by Fr Richard holding the Blessed Sacrament. Women were invited to kneel at the sanctuary to receive Jesus’ healing presence. In a powerful gesture of faith, each woman looked to Jesus and reached out to touch Fr Richard’s stole, echoing the Gospel story of the woman who had been haemorrhaging for twelve years.

It was a sacred and tender encounter. You could feel the Holy Spirit moving—bringing peace, healing, and restoration. There were tears, there was surrender, and there was a deep sense of being seen and loved by God.

Following Adoration, the women gathered in small groups to share their experiences. Their openness and vulnerability revealed a deep desire for healing, authentic connection, and genuine sisterhood. A shared love for Mother Mary was evident, with a longing to seek her, imitate her, and grow more like her.

The evening was filled with joy, connection, tenderness, and trust—revealing the powerful grace that flows when women come together in prayer, healing, and unity.

The session concluded with a meaningful healing ritual connected to Holy Week. Women were invited to lay down their sorrows, struggles, and losses at the foot of the Cross, with Mary beside them, holding onto the hope of the Resurrection.

The night ended in prayer, entrusted to our Blessed Mother, with hearts full and expectant for what God will continue to do.

Join Us
All women are warmly invited to join us for our next gathering on Monday, 20th April, 7pm to 9pm in the Church meeting room.