November 30, 2025
TO: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers (for information), National Life Member Liaison
FROM: Betty Colaneri, National President
Please forward this message to presidents.
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God (Luke 6:20).
My dear sisters in the League,
The new national theme, Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission, will begin in January 2026. The inspiration for the theme came from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which represents God’s infinite love.
The first time I heard the story of the Road to Emmaus, I was deeply moved by the words, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” (Luke 32). The story reflects on our journey of discernment and how we may encounter someone who could very well be Jesus. He chose the dinner table because it symbolizes fellowship, a place of intimacy, friendship, and a place where relationships are strengthened. When the men recognized the truth, their hearts were aflame with new understanding, and they rushed off to tell the apostles the good news. This is what members are called to do on our own faith journey.
Symbols of the Theme Logo
The logo I had envisioned was beautifully brought to life by my family’s graphic artist, Julie D’Angela.
The large heart symbolizing the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the crown of thorns reminds us that we have been saved by Jesus’ Passion.
The white colour symbolizes the Holy Spirit coming down from heaven to set the heart on fire. The red and white colours together symbolize the Divine Mercy.
The crown of thorns on the right serves as a reminder of Jesus’ Passion and ultimate sacrifice.
The smaller heart inside the large heart symbolizes members’ hearts, enflamed by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus surrounds and protects us with His own heart.
Fire not only represents God’s presence but also a deep love and passionate devotion to God. Members are called to be ‘on fire’ for God, a fire that fuels our enthusiasm to serve and seek our Lord with all our hearts. Fire also signifies that God’s Spirit is to continually burn brightly in our lives.
In Indigenous cultures, fire is a deeply revered and multifaceted symbol, representing a connection to the spiritual realm, the land and the community. It is seen as a sacred gift, a source of life and a powerful tool for connection, healing and preservation.
His words ignite a spiritual fire within members to love and share God’s love. It is that passion for our Lord that fuels members to become passionate advocates, compelling us to speak God’s truth, even when it’s difficult and to take action. A faith that is ‘on fire’ is a faith that is alive, vibrant and passionate. It is that passion that compels members to reach out to those in need, to show compassion and to share the joy of serving the Lord.
At the national executive/board meeting in October, the board chose the national focus of “Blessed are the Poor,” which is closely connected to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His ministry included a special focus on the poor and marginalized, revealing God’s compassionate care for those in need. Caring for the poor is considered an essential part of our Catholic mission and an expression of members’ love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Compassion fuels members’ actions, allowing us to connect more deeply with Jesus’ ministry and encounter our Lord through service to others. The poor are not only those who struggle financially but also those who are poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). Poverty can also include a lack of family or social support, limited education, social injustices, discrimination and conflict.
The national chairpersons of faith, service and social justice will be providing information and suggestions on how members can participate in this call to mission through action.
Kindly spread the word in the New Year regarding the new theme and focus. I look forward to hearing about all the wonderful things that will be done to honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus with our compassion for the poor.
From my heart to yours,
Betty Colaneri
National President