Behind every great man...

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Matthew 27. 55

Easter reminds us of how crucial the women in his life were to Jesus. While the men fled the scene of his suffering and crucifixion, women remained to the bitter end. So it is fitting that they were rewarded with the first encounter with Jesus after his resurrection. But that is not the whole picture. The women at the cross had accompanied Jesus during his years of public ministry too.

Historians Helen Bond and Joan Taylor explore the story in their documentary Jesus' Female Disciples. They have since published an expanded version of their research in a book entitled Women Remembered. Some might be thinking: "It's about time the women upon whom Jesus depended received the recognition they deserve!" In fact, we all need this information for a fuller understanding of the origins of our faith and of the Church.