The Way

As I watched The Way, I was inspired by the various stories each person told, and despite their differences, they were all able to take a journey of discovery. Each individual had a goal, and although some of their goals changed along the way, each of them strived to achieve what they had set out for. The film also inspired me to be open to others no matter what, because you never truly know another person's story just by looking at them. The characters were all able to connect and understand each other, despite their differing backgrounds, cultures, and interests. As I move on to college, I think it will be important to keep an open mind as I meet other people from all over the world. I would love to go on a pilgrimage like this movie because experiences similar to this allow you to learn more about yourself, discover new places, meet new people, and get out of your comfort zone. I think that as the movie progressed, Tom realized that the trip was not just for his son but for himself to. Through the trip Tom was able to get a better understanding of his son and of himself.

Mixed Messages

       I think that the church sends positive messages to young women by encouraging them to take part in community service and Church activities. Such events allow young women to experience first-hand the change they can bring about in the world. Attending an all-girls Catholic school has taught me to take part in activities like these and to be a leader and an advocate for myself and others. Being in such an all-female environment has helped me to see the potential I have to impact my community. The Mount encourages its students to be anything and anyone they want to be by reminding us to be women of being women of courage, conviction, and faith. However, I have received some mixed messages. Much of the Bible is focused on men and their contribution to the Catholic tradition; although, I am taught everyday that men and women should be viewed as equals. It is apparent that Church figures in the past did not believe that women could have a great impact on our world. The only female, historical religious figure that really stands out is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It is difficult to think that women are just as important as men when men are the center of the Catholic faith. 

Abortion

       In Bryan Cones's article "Higher rates of abortion and unsafe abortion in the developing world: How should the pro-life movement respond?," he reports statistics that show abortion becoming increasingly common and unsafe in foreign countries. I have found that throughout high school, abortion was really only discussed in terms of its morality and its relationship to Catholic Church beliefs. We have spoken even less about the presence of illegal operations and specific abortion rates outside of the United States in developing countries. I had no idea that 86% of all abortions are performed in developing countries. Similarly to the U.S., abortions that take place without medical training are much riskier than those performed by licensed doctors. 
       I agree with Cones's argument that the difference in the abortion rates between the United States and developing countries can be attributed to the availability of contraceptives. In the U.S., condoms and the pill are readily available to prevent unintended pregnancies. However, contraceptives in developing countries can be difficult to track down. Although these contraception methods are against Catholic Church teachings, as they prevent the possibility of having children, Cones says that contraception is “the lesser of two evils.” If women in developing nations had access to contraceptives that prevent unwanted pregnancies, fewer women would seek illegal means to abort their pregnancy.