The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand

"Though published over two decades ago, Alice von Hildebrand’s critique of the modern feminist movement is perhaps more pertinent today than ever before. In The Privilege of Being a Woman, Hildebrand beautifully portrays God’s gift of womanhood and femininity. She calls upon the saints, including St. Thérèse and St. Augustine, to challenge the secular notion that the Church diminishes the role of women. The high regard that the Church does hold for femininity is epitomized in the Blessed Mother, who embodies the privilege that women have in society and in the Lord’s eyes. She, in her complete grace and humility, was chosen as the living tabernacle of His Beloved Son, exemplifying the elevated status of women in God’s creation. I particularly loved Hildebrand’s rebuttal to earthly criticism of women and the emphasis that we place on emotions and matters of the heart, calling to mind the very Sacred Heart of Jesus that was pierced out of His love for us. In a time of secular belittlement of motherhood and misunderstood notions of womanhood, this was a read that amplified my pride in being a daughter of Christ. With the Blessed Mother as our perfect model of femininity, it is truly a privilege to be a woman – and to journey through this book together with our Young Adult Women’s Small Groups this fall!"