The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) North American Regional Conference held on Sunday, August 10th was a great success. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a proud member of the North American Conference and was happy to host the conference. National President Shari Guinta provided greetings and presented her report to all those in attendance.
Members were honoured to have WUCWO President General Monica Santamarina present to deliver her report. She talked about what the global WUCWO network is and their mission in all areas of ecclesial and social life, encouraging women to live fully in their Christian vocation. WUCWO was erected by the Holy See as a Public International Association of the Faithful in 2006. They aspire to give visibility to women in the most vulnerable areas to inspire and generate synergies with the Church, states and local government to favour the integral human development of women. This includes close research with disadvantaged women to understand gaps they face and the support they need to overcome challenges. Members are encouraged to find more resources here: https://wucwo.org/
Speakers earlier in the day included WUCWO Regional Vice-President for North America Barbara Dowding, who introduced the member organizations in the North American region: the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC) with President Marlene Bodnar, National Council of Catholic Women with former president and Parliamentarian Lucy Johnson, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary (KPCLA) with Supreme Lady Hilda Wiltz and National Lay Member of the Board Esohe Asimota.
The afternoon sessions of the WUCWO Regional Conference on Sunday were very informative and thought-provoking. Dr. Josephine Lombardi delivered a presentation called “Mary the Model of Synod” which encouraged attendees to look to Mother Mary as a model for how to walk the way of truth to Jesus, and the path to God. Mary is described as Lady of The Way, and from her, we learn the art of listening. Dr. Lombardi emphasized how the League helps to bring order and light in the darkness when we listen to understand the plight of humanity.
Speaker Leah Watkiss presented a session titled “Justice for Migrant Workers” which focused on the unfair and poor living conditions and broken promises that migrant workers coming to Canada face when their employers try to take advantage of them, especially in the low wage stream. Some have closed work permits so they cannot change employers elsewhere, making them easy targets for further exploitation by employers. Leah encouraged attendees to support migrants in their church and community to help them get connections and resources they need to know to practise their rights.
A Synodal listening session was led by Barbara Dowding which allowed attendees to take a moment of pause and reflect on how they can get involved and influence the world around them. She said it is important to slow down and place ourselves in the present when in conversation with another to truly listen to what is being shared.
Spiritual Advisor Bishop Lobsinger delivered a talk on the “Jubilee of Hope”. He shared that synodality is the new path of the Church, and it is about walking together. We need to hear “the One, the Son, and the many” to truly understand the voice of the Holy Spirit. Jubilee is a time of renewal and reexamining our relationship with God, and he had attendees ponder what hope means. He said hope allows us to believe in God in all His promises when it would be easier to give up.
The opening mass of the 105th Annual National Convention was held on Sunday August 10th at St Paul’s Basilica in Toronto. Members were in awe of the beautiful artwork and high arches that swept the Basilica. It was a warm welcome, indeed!
The Celebrant was His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, who began his homily recounting his visit to the Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel near Rome while he was there for the 2025 conclave. He spoke about the significance of faith and how it needs to be more than a conviction, but also a way to live life in everything we do and face. He shared Mother Mary was a true example of a person who embodied faith to the fullest.
Welcome and greetings were given by Rev. Robert O’Brien, Pastor of St. Paul’s Basilica, Colleen Martin, Ontario Provincial President, Most Reverend Alan Campeau, Bishop of Thunder Bay, Rev. Liborio Amaral, Toronto Diocesan Spiritual Advisor, David Gelinas, State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, Kate O’Quinn, Toronto Diocesan President, Monica Santamarina, President General of the World Union Of Catholic Women’s Organisations, and Shari Guinta, National President.
A reception was organized by members from the Holy Cross, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Holy Rosary Parish Councils in Toronto.
Photos by Lisa Henry
