DATE: September 15, 2025
FROM: Betty Colaneri, National President
TO: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers
National Life Member Liaison
Please forward this message to presidents
according to your provincial communications protocol.
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire” (St. Catherine of Siena).
My sisters in the League,
I am humbled and truly honoured to be elected national president of this amazing organization we belong to. Your prayers, support and encouragement are very much appreciated. My constant prayer is for the Sacred Heart of Jesus to fill me with the passion and strength to be of service to my sisters in the League. It is in service to others where I find my joy.
A brief recap about me: my husband and I have been married for 41 years, and we have two sons, Nicholas (39) and Christopher (34). We live on a vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, where we run our family winery business. If you are curious about me, please see my biography on the national website under Meet Our Executive.
Having lived on the vineyard for 41 years, I get to see the picturesque view of the vines in every stage of growth. It is a daily reflection of one of my favourite bible verses, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (Jn 15:5). Looking at the vine, one could think, “How can this bear fruit?” When the buds appear, it reminds you that with God, all things are possible. I have witnessed that in my 39 years as a member of the League. My biography on the national website lists the positions I have held over the years, but what isn’t listed are all the amazing women I have had the privilege of meeting and the memories I cherish. Any chance I get, wherever I go, I share those wonderful stories and special moments I have had with the incredible women in the League. I am so grateful that because of the League, I have also been able to visit beautiful places across this great country. We all need to share more of our exciting stories so women in the parishes will see what they are missing.
With fall just around the corner, councils will begin meeting again. I look forward to hearing all the wonderful things that will be happening in councils across the country.
In the words of St. Mother Teresa, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things,” and “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Let us begin our journey together with great love for each other and the League. I look forward to being your servant as we work together “For God and Canada.”