The twenty-first century is the century of courageous women, the century in which each of our voices rises to be heard in every corner of the universe. We are the voices that have been silent for so long amidst the stillness and the clamor; we are the daughters of the future, those who speak with unerring conviction, with the strength that comes from within—I mean, from the heart. 

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Today's woman has her feet firmly on the ground because she knows where her truth comes from and does not allow the confinement of her soul, her ideas and her spirit, since her soul, her ideas and her spirit generate strength and vitality to the fullest. 

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Many roles emerge as she begins to grow, assuming a new way of life that compels her to defend herself against all injustice. Today's woman has begun to awaken, to be filled with personal pride, with an essence that defines her as a woman, as a mother, daughter, sister, and faithful companion to her husband. 

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She works hard to achieve her goals, she studies to better herself, to become a guide and bring prosperity to her home. She dreams of a better world despite the injustices that have left their mark on her soul; she dreams, she lives to safeguard her dignity every minute of her existence, and she succeeds. Today's woman cries out against domestic abuse and denounces it, punishes it with justice, and reveals it with an iron voice. Abuse against women is an outrage that constitutes a ruthless violation, and a slap, a shove, or silence following mistreatment or rape is no longer acceptable. Today's woman speaks out against sexual harassment in the workplace and exposes the transgression for its offensive nature against her very nature as a woman.

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I am so glad to know that we, Hispanic women, have proclaimed our truth in the arenas of this modern world, which is neither good nor bad, but confusing. Yet, we continue to move forward to improve our lives, to help our children thrive, to find their place, and to respect themselves as human beings. 

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That is what the Hispanic woman of today does to emerge victorious, facing abuse, mistreatment, and envy that crushes her own desires for freedom.

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Today's woman rises from the foundations of a painful past, to reign amidst mediocrity, to not be ignored by others because her presence comes from God and not from men. 

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March 8th, International Women's Day, and on this day, we confront the reality that surrounds us in suffocating and frightening situations. However, fear is a state that has enveloped us for many years: immigration insecurity, instability and environmental imbalance, unemployment, and doubts that make us tremble with anxiety.

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Women have to fulfill so many roles close to their hearts that, in reality, they prioritize making conscious decisions. The Word of God says that an exemplary woman is not easy to find; she is worth more than rubies! (Proverbs 31:10). That is why God has blessed her, filled her with unparalleled talents, and enriched her with motivation, love for her family, and success in the professional, cultural, and domestic spheres. He has made her immensely innovative, refined, beautiful, and intelligent—and that is without even describing what she is and represents. 

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Woman was created to be loved by her husband, so that he may pave a path of flowers for her and make her journey prosperous and ineffable. The man, in his role as husband, helps her cultivate a healthy and generous self-esteem so they can walk together both within and outside the home. Woman is a creature made in the image and likeness of God, just as man is, so honoring woman is like honoring God himself. 

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Our Lord, God, Most High Jesus Christ, says that woman is clothed with strength and dignity, and she does not worry about tomorrow. She always speaks with wisdom, and she gives her teachings with love.

She watches over the affairs of her household and never eats what she has not earned. (Proverbs 31:25-28) 

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On International Women's Day, March 8th, I wish you well, love, and abundant fulfillment, just as God desires you to always have. Amen.