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Ethel Kennedy – A Matriarch Of Strong Faith

Ethel Kennedy – A Matriarch Of Strong Faith

Last updated on: October 14, 2024 at 3:30 pm by Laurika Nxumalo

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Ethel Kennedy – A Matriarch Of Strong Faith 2024-10-14T15:30:31+02:00 Laurika Nxumalo

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The late Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was well known for her strong Catholic faith in addition to her position in one of the most powerful political families in the United States of America. Born into a deeply religious Catholic household in 1928, Ethel’s faith shaped her values and choices over the course of her life.

Young Ethel Kennedy – Photo by Wikimedia Commons

The Upbringing

Ethel Skakel Kennedy was raised in Chicago, Illinois, as part of a big Irish Catholic family. Her parents instilled in her a sense of faith, family, and social responsibility, which shaped her life into what it was. Ethel attended Catholic schools and was schooled in both academics and Church teachings. The Skakels were regular Massgoers – that made Ethel have a strong connection to her faith at a young age.

Robert & Ethel Kennedy – Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy in 1950 brought even more attention to her Catholic faith. The Kennedys were well known for having close ties to the Catholic Church. Every chance the couple got they would attend daily Mass together. Their religious convictions served as the foundation for their marriage, and they instilled the Church’s teachings in their eleven children.

The Anchoring Faith in Times of Distress

Ethel Kennedy’s Catholic faith provided her with consolation and strength when she had to deal with the assassination of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy in 1968; the tragedy came five years after the killing of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy. The comfort Mrs. Kennedy found in her faith gave her the willpower to go on for her kids and her husband’s legacy.

Ethel Kennedy and Joan Kennedy with Rory Elizabeth Katherine Kennedy’s nurse. Rory was born six months after her father’s assassination – Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Throughout her life, Mrs. Ethel Kennedy consistently turned to prayer, the sacraments, and the doctrines of the Catholic Church to guide her through difficult times. Her ability to navigate such loss with grace was testament to the depth of her belief in God’s plan and her hope in eternal life, which are the core tenets of the Catholic Church’s teachings.

A Life of Advocacy and Service

In addition to offering solace during difficult times, Ethel Kennedy’s Catholicism amplified her dedication to social justice and humanitarian concerns. She supported civil rights, the eradication of poverty, and the advancement of peace, reflecting the Catholic Church’s emphasis on social duty and support for the weak and vulnerable.

Ethel Kennedy visiting Burgerweeshuis, a children’s home in Amsterdam – Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Following her husband’s passing in 1968, Ethel established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (now RFK Human Rights). This organization is committed to improving global justice, education, and human rights causes. Her involvement with the group is a reflection of the Church’s appeal for justice and the Catholic ideal of solidarity with the underprivileged.

Founders of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), receiving the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award from Ethel Kennedy and former US President Barack Obama in November 23, 2009. Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Mrs. Ethel Kennedy’s activism was closely aligned with Catholic social teaching, which stresses the dignity of every human person and the need for societal structures that promote fairness and compassion. Over the years, Ethel lent her voice to numerous causes, including opposition to the death penalty, advocating for civil rights, and promoting initiatives for the poor – she drew upon the Catholic Church’s moral teachings to support her stance.

Devotions and Prayer Life

Ethel Kennedy’s own spirituality was firmly ingrained in her everyday life. She was known for her commitment to prayer and was an active participant in the Church’s sacramental activity. Throughout her life Ethel emphasized the value of the Rosary, daily prayer, and her devotion to the saints, particularly St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of peace and care for creation.

Ethel Kennedy attending her husband’s 50th assassination anniversary – Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Not only did Ethel Kennedy’s Catholicism influence her own life, but it has also had a lasting impact on her children and grandchildren. In keeping with the Catholic ideals that Ethel instilled in them, a large number of the Kennedy family members are still actively engaged in public service, philanthropy, and social justice campaigning. Broadly speaking, Ethel Kennedy stood for a generation of Catholic women who made use of their faith as a springboard for social action. She demonstrated how activism and spirituality may support one another in the quest for a fair and compassionate world, demonstrating how faith and public life can coexist.

Her Legacy

The Catholic faith that Ethel Kennedy practiced had a significant influence on her life. Her life exemplified the key tenets of Catholic teaching – the dignity of the human person, the significance of the family, and the responsibility to serve the poor.

Cover of Ethel Kennedy’s autobiography. Photo courtesy of Amazon

Ethel Kennedy’s Catholicism served as a pillar of strength for her during her personal tragedies and motivated her to fight tirelessly for justice and peace in both her private and public ventures.

Ethel Kennedy passed away on Thursday, 10 October 2024 at the age of 96.

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