From June 15-17, 2023, the BC & Yukon council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWL) gathered in Prince George for the 76th BC & Yukon provincial convention. One hundred and twenty attendees participated in fruitful meetings, prayerful ceremonies, and fun activities.
The opening Eucharistic celebration was held at Christ Our Saviour Parish with celebrants Rev. Michael Ebomuche, Rev. David John, Rev. Pier Pandolfo and Rev. Alvin Mattias. National President and Chairperson of International Relations, Fran Lucas welcomed attendees. Simon Yu, Mayor of Prince George, and Lorenzo Sia and Randy Roy representing the Knights of Columbus brought greetings. After President Sharon Geiger officially opened the convention, members of the Knights of Columbus and the CWL council at Christ the Saviour parish hosted a reception.
The convention opened with reports presented by diocesan presidents and provincial officers who conveyed the many works and activities of members across the province and the Yukon. On Friday, Fran Lucas’ presentation focused on the many resources that have been developed over the past few years as part of the League’s strategic plan and are available for the members on the https://cwl.ca website. Father John Garden, incoming provincial Spiritual Advisor, shared on the provincial theme, Embracing Christ in Everyone. Shelley Caldwell delighted with her dynamic presentation, “Walking with a Warrior’s Welcome”. On Saturday, Fr. David John, outgoing spiritual advisor, reminded delegates that WE are Church and Adele Stewart shared her hope that Rachel’s Vineyard continues to help post-abortion women.
The 2023-2025 officers of the BC & Yukon Provincial Council were elected or appointed. They are: Spiritual Advisor Rev. John Garden, President Catherine L’Heureux, Vice-President Sylvia Jurys, Past President, Sharon Geiger, Secretary Katherine Weswick, Treasurer Renee Johnson, Chair of Faith Victoria Oppertshauser, Chair of Service Laura Esposito, and Chair of Social Justice, Angelina Stiglich.
The closing celebration was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral with Bishop Stephen Jensen as celebrant. Co-celebrants were Rev. Rectorino Tolentino, Rev. David John, Rev. John Garden. After the final blessing, the newly elected officers of the BC & Yukon provincial council were installed.
About the Catholic Women’s League of Canada
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, founded in 1920, is one of the largest organizations of women in Canada with more than 60,000 members representing every province, territory, and the military. The League is organized and pledged to serve all citizens and has often received the commendation and keep appreciation of federal, provincial, and municipal authorities for the voluntary services ably performed by its national membership. The BC & Yukon provincial council represents about 7000 members in the dioceses of Kamloops, Nelson, Prince George, Vancouver, Victoria, and Whitehorse.
