Rolande Chernichan, National Chairperson of Faith, March 31, 2025
FOR: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers (for information), National Life Member Liaison
Encl: Ask, Search, Knock in Hope Webinar poster
Rosary Webinar of Hope for Healing and Reconciliation poster
Dear sisters in the League,
Jubilee 2025 invites Catholics to journey as Pilgrims of Hope through Lent towards Easter. Pope Francis’ message for the 39th World Youth Day encouraged young people (and everyone) to embark on a journey of discovering life through love and to seek the face of God not as tourists but as true pilgrims. He emphasized that pilgrims fully engage with the places they visit, listen to the messages they convey and integrate them into their quest for happiness and fulfillment. He highlighted that the jubilee pilgrimage represents an inward journey toward our ultimate destination.
CWL Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Rome (November 19-27) – Join League sisters for a faith-filled pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year! Limited to 44 pilgrims.
Jubilee Activities – the Jubilee of Hope is a time for spiritual renewal, pilgrimage and reconciliation. Each diocese has designated pilgrimage sites that members are encouraged to piously visit. To learn more, read about the characteristics of a jubilee.
Pray for the Intentions of Pope Francis – One of the conditions necessary to gain the jubilee plenary indulgence is to pray for the intentions of the supreme pontiff. Councils and members are urged to source the Click to Pray App or the The Pope Video for the specific intentions. In a spirit of penance, Pope Francis has decreed an indulgence for fasting from digital distractions.
Canonization of Blessed Carlos Acutis (April 27th) – Councils are encouraged to promote the canonization of Blessed Carlos Acutis—colloquially dubbed as the patron saint of the Internet and the first saint from Generation Y (millennials)—to young people in their parish and to use the occasion to invite young women 16 years and older to learn more about becoming a member.
Pro-Life Action – May offers occasions for councils to initiate, promote and participate in interfaith and ecumenical events that educate and support the dignity of the human person. Encourage councils and members to participate in pro-life walks and events regionally while wearing their League scarves and pins, financially support pro-life causes and promote life with positive and affirming messages.
“Ask, Search, Knock in Hope: A Webinar for Chairpersons of Faith” (May 7th) – Chairpersons at all levels are invited to participate and to share the journey of the chairperson of faith role and responsibilities through reflection, question and answer, and information sharing. All chairpersons of faith are encouraged to register!
Fostering Vocations – The church celebrates World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 11th. Councils and members are invited to reflect on the meaning of God’s call and to pray for all vocations, especially priestly, diaconal and religious vocations.
WUCWO Day (May 13th) – The League has membership in the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) to advance women’s role in the life and mission of the church. Councils and members are urged to consult WUCWO’s website for the WUCWO Day spiritual program and to unite in prayer with women worldwide.
Rosary Webinar of Hope for Healing and Reconciliation (June 21st) – The League is committed to its pilgrimage experience of walking together in hope with Indigenous peoples. Members are invited to join in reflecting on this mission while praying the rosary on National Indigenous Peoples Day. Please see the attached poster and register.
The grace of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter is an occasion to “Rejoice in hope” (Rom 12.12). As we continue our journey as Pilgrims of Hope, Pope Francis reminds Catholics:
“In those inevitable moments of fatigue in our pilgrimage in this world, let us learn, then, to rest like Jesus and in Jesus. … Find repose in the Lord, who says to you: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’ (Mt 11.28). When the weariness of the journey weighs you down, come back to Jesus, learn to rest in him and abide with him, for ‘those who hope in the Lord… will run and not be weary’ (Is 40.31).”
May we recognize our call by God and be ready to respond, Here I am Lord, send me, as we continue our pilgrim journey.
Blessings,
Rolande Chernichan
National Chairperson of Faith